ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades Reverse Polarity in Europe

Sven,
Them two pin plugs that look like the US plugs, are used for Extra-low voltage AC systems, Emergency lighting, 12, 24 and 48V systems where they are rarely unplugged and reversal of the pins won't matter.
And of course, where no earth is required!.
They are just used as an alternative to our normal 230V plugs, to ensure that they can't be inter-changed.
Paul,
Standing on your heads?.
Well in that case we must be all hanging on for dear life, down here!.

A slight aside, but in the U.K. we have a small two-pin connector with angled blades which has become quite common for 12V DC outlets in "caravans" (travel trailers).

The plugs look like a much-scaled down version of a two-pin Australian type.