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Nope, not all EU countries have the same plug or voltage. Voltage is roughly the same, but not exactly - when the UK was still a member, they still had 240V AFAIK, I don't know if there are other examples. The UK has a completely different plug, which they also had while they were members. IIRC France and the Czech Republic has another type of the Schuko plug than most other EU members.

Sjors Provoost 1y ago

My understanding is that continental Europe had 220V and the UK 240V. The EU plus a few others (CENELEC) made 230 the compromise.

Equipment has to handle a wider range, e.g. my water kettle says 220 - 240. That makes life easier for manufacturers and shops.

With the increase in solar and wind renewables volgage varies a lot anyway, e.g. in my apartment (NL) today it's between 235 and 240 despite the rain.

Plugs tend to have shapes that fit most variants that you'll still find in older apartments.

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Discussion

Sjors Provoost 1y ago

And the reason for that range is that power countries didn't have to replace existing equipment over night. Presumably the new stuff would be 230V.

And this all needs to be rethought as people now have computers and LED lights that could use 12V sockets and a handful of heavy duty items (induction cooking, car charger, etc) that need dedicated higher power sockets.

VOLKER - Voice Of Logic Knowledge Experience & Responsibility 1y ago

A high power DC standard plug would be really great, given abundance of both solar installations (which deliver DC) and battery powered devices (from torch to vacuum to lawn mower).

But ofc the EU geniuses are never gonna mandate something as useful as that.