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All about Swiss mains cables with SEV approval

In this overview, we present to you in detail the characteristics and meanings of Swiss power cables with SEV approval. These types of cables are specifically designed for use in Switzerland and meet the strict requirements of the Swiss Electrotechnical Association (SEV). Learn more about the technical specifications, areas of application, and the advantages that SEV-certified power cables offer in practice.

Type C 2-pin plugs in Switzerland and Europe

The 2-pin Type C plug, which is common in many European countries, is often also used by vacationers or in private households in Switzerland. These plugs are almost identical to the 2-pin plugs used in Switzerland, but differ in small but important details. A significant feature is the slight deviation in the dimension of the pins, which is less than 1 mm, but is sufficient to prevent compliance with the strict SEV standards.

SEV and ENEC Approvals

For private use, such cables, which are used in other countries and may have an ENEC approval, can certainly also be used in Switzerland. The ENEC approval (European Norms Electrical Certification) serves as a Europe-wide sign that confirms compliance with European safety standards for electrotechnical products. However, the slight deviation in the dimensions of the plug does not meet the specific requirements of the SEV approval, which means that such cables are officially not approved for trade and industry in Switzerland.

Need for separate 2-pin cables for trade and industry

For commercial and industrial applications, it is essential that the power cables used have SEV approval. This ensures that the cables meet the specific safety standards and technical requirements set in Switzerland. Companies and industrial operations must therefore invest in separate cables that are specifically certified for the Swiss market in order to comply with legal regulations and safety standards.

This approach ensures the safety and reliability of electrotechnical products and underscores the importance of observing country-specific approvals when sourcing and applying products.

3-pin plugs

The 3-pin plugs, often referred to as Type J, are the grounded variant and provide additional safety for devices that have a higher current consumption or special safety requirements. These plugs have three pins: two for power supply and an additional grounding pin. They are typical for larger household appliances such as computers, televisions, and kitchen appliances that require a stable and secure power connection. The 3-pin plugs are particularly common in offices and for industrial applications due to their increased safety features.

SEV Approval

Both the 2-pin and the 3-pin plugs for the Swiss market must have SEV approval to meet the high safety and quality standards. This certification ensures that the plugs work properly and are safe in application. Manufacturers who produce these plugs must go through strict testing procedures to obtain this approval. This ensures that all products sold meet the necessary requirements for safe use in Switzerland.