Compatibility With Other Plug/socket Types
Schuko sockets can accept two-pin unearthed Europlug (CEE 7/16) and CEE 7/17. Less safely, Schuko plugs can be inserted into many two-pin unearthed sockets and into some sockets with a different form of earth connection that will not mate with the earth contacts on the Schuko plug (e.g., some variants of the Danish socket. Many such sockets also lack the cavity required to prevent users from touching the pins whilst inserting the plug.
In Italy, Chile and Uruguay, hybrid versions of Schuko sockets are seen with an extra hole that will take the smaller variant of Italian CEI 23-16/VII plugs. There are also hybrid Schuko sockets with three extra holes and a wider cavity that will also accept the larger variant of Italian plugs.
Schuko sockets are unpolarized; if there is a need to be sure which side is live, the socket's polarity must be tested every time.
The IEC 60906-1 standard was intended to address some of the issues in regards to polarization and replace Schuko.
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