Switches & Sockets: Schuko or Euro, 10A or 16A?

When a fit-out reaches the "switches and sockets" stage, the questions start: Schuko or regular socket? 10 or 16 A? Bticino, Schneider or Legrand? And the wrong choice here is not just about looks: a socket without earth for a washing machine, or an undersized switch for a water heater, can be dangerous. In this guide from Tawredaat (توريدات), an electrical and finishing materials store in Cairo and Giza, we go step by step from the type of socket all the way to the brand.

Schuko (German) or regular socket? What's the difference?

The German socket (Schuko) is the type with two metal earth clips on the sides, and it takes the thick Type F plug as well as the thin plug. The regular socket, which the market calls Euro/US or "universal", takes the thin European plug (Type C) and the flat American plug, and most of them are without earth. Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs at 220 V and 50 Hz, according to the World Plugs table from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

• ⚠ The thin European plug (Europlug) is rated for only up to 2.5 A according to the CEE 7/16 standard, which is why it is used for light devices, while heavy appliances come with an earthed Schuko plug.
• ⚠ Any metal appliance whose plug has earth (Class I according to IEC 61140) must be connected to a socket whose earth is actually connected, not to an adapter that loses the earth.
• ✔ If you're not sure, there are multistandard sockets that take more than one plug type, but make sure they have earth and shutters.

10 A or 16 A socket? And how many amps for a light switch?

The socket you install must be rated for a current equal to or higher than the breaker protecting the circuit. As a guide in apartments: the general socket circuit is usually a 16 A breaker on 2.5 mm² wire, so the socket is 16 A. And the lighting circuit is a 10 A breaker on 1.5 mm² wire, so the light switch is 10 A or more. To learn the breaker and wire for each circuit, see our guide to what size breaker your apartment needs and our guide to electrical wires and their sizes.

Why does the water heater need a 20 A double-pole switch?

A double-pole switch disconnects the phase and the neutral together, so when you switch the heater off it is completely isolated from the power. A tank water heater is usually rated at 1.5 to 2 kW, which means about 9 A at 220 V (watts ÷ 220), so its circuit is usually a 16 A breaker and 2.5 mm² wire. The 20 A switch gives you a margin above the breaker current, so it doesn't overheat with long use. An instant heater is much more powerful, and its switch, breaker and wire are set from its nameplate. And if you are still choosing the heater itself, see our gas vs electric water heater comparison.

Which sockets and switches does each room need?

This is a general planning table to help you while you make your wiring list. The actual number of sockets depends on the furniture and where the appliances go:

Bticino, Schneider or Legrand?

All three are international brands well known in Egypt, and the choice between them is usually more about the look and the availability of parts than about the basic quality. On Tawredaat you'll find Bticino, Schneider Electric (Unica and Miluz E) and Legrand (Arteor). Fun fact: Bticino is part of the Legrand group.

• ✔ Choose one series for the whole apartment, because modules and cover plates usually don't fit between one brand and another; check the brand's catalogue.
• ✔ Make sure the frame fits the wall box (rectangular or round) before you buy.
• ✔ Ask about the warranty and parts availability when you buy, so that if you want to add a socket years later you can find the same look.

Extras that make a difference: child shutters, USB and water

• Shuttered sockets: they have an internal cover that only opens when both plug pins go in together, which makes it harder for a child to push a metal object in. The British standard BS 1363 requires shutters on all sockets, and many Schuko and multistandard sockets now come with shutters.
• Sockets for areas exposed to water: the IP rating according to IEC 60529: IP44 means protection against water splashing from any direction, and IP55 means protection against dust and water jets. Use them in the bathroom, balcony and roof, with a 30 mA earth leakage breaker.
• Bathroom: the IEC 60364-7-701 standard divides the bathroom into zones around the shower and bathtub, and a regular socket must not be installed inside these zones. The required distance differs from one code to another (and some codes require a larger distance), which is why the electrician decides the location according to the local code, always with a 30 mA earth leakage breaker.
• USB socket: convenient next to the bed and desk, and saves you a charger.
• Roller-shutter switch, doorbell, telephone and data: think about them at the wiring stage so the conduits and boxes are put in from the start.

Common mistakes with switches and sockets

• ⚠ A socket without earth for the washing machine or water heater: any appliance with water and metal needs a sound earth, and a 30 mA earth leakage breaker on the circuit.
• ⚠ Loading several heavy appliances on one socket: a 16 A socket at 220 V has a theoretical limit of about 3500 W (16 × 220), so a kettle, an iron and a heater together can exceed the limit. Spread heavy appliances over different sockets and circuits.
• ⚠ A cover plate that doesn't match the box or module: it leaves the socket loose or with gaps. Buy the module, frame and plate from the same series.
• ⚠ A switch weaker than the breaker: don't install a 10 A switch on a water heater circuit protected by a 16 A breaker.
• ✔ Read the 5 most common electrical finishing mistakes before you start.

Switches and sockets available on Tawredaat

Sockets

• Bticino 16 A German socket, white
• Legrand Arteor shuttered German socket, 2 modules
• Schneider Unica shuttered German socket, 2 modules
• Legrand Arteor shuttered multistandard socket
• Schneider Unica shuttered Euro/US socket
• Bticino 16 A Euro/US socket, grey
• Schneider Unica 2.1 A dual USB charger

Switches

• Bticino 16 A switch
• Legrand Arteor 10AX switch
• Schneider Miluz E 10AX switch
• Legrand Arteor 2-way switch
• Legrand Arteor 20AX double-pole switch (for the water heater)
• Legrand Arteor roller-shutter switch
• Bticino roller-shutter switch
• Bticino doorbell switch

Data, telephone and cover plates

• Legrand Arteor RJ45 Cat 6 data socket
• Bticino RJ11 telephone socket
• Schneider Unica IP44 cover plate
• Schneider Unica Plus IP55 cover plate
• Legrand Arteor 2-module cover plate

And for the circuits themselves: Hager 16 A breaker and Hager 20 A breaker. You can browse every model in our switches and sockets collection, electrical accessories collection and circuit breakers collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Schuko (German) or regular socket better?
Neither is better or worse. The 16 A Schuko with earth is for heavy appliances and appliances with earthed plugs, and the regular one is for chargers and light devices. Most apartments combine both.

How many amps should the water heater switch be?
A 20 A double-pole switch (20AX) on its own circuit, because a 1.5 – 2 kW tank heater draws about 9 A and its breaker is usually 16 A. An instant heater depends on its nameplate.

What does 10AX or 16AX on a switch mean?
The number is the rated current in amps, and the letter X means the switch is also tested for fluorescent lamp loads according to IEC 60669-1. In any case, the light switch must be rated for a current equal to or higher than the lighting circuit breaker.

What is a shuttered socket?
A socket with an internal cover that only opens when the plug goes in correctly, which protects children from pushing a metal object into the socket.

Can I install a socket in the bathroom?
Yes, but only outside the shower and bathtub zones defined by IEC 60364-7-701, with an IP44 or higher plate and a 30 mA earth leakage breaker, and the electrician decides the location and distance according to the local code.

Should I mix switch brands in the apartment?
It's better to use one series, because modules and plates usually don't fit between one brand and another, and the look stays consistent.

About Tawredaat: Tawredaat (توريدات) is an Egyptian supplier of electrical and finishing materials, serving homeowners, companies and contractors in Cairo and Giza. Questions? See our FAQ.