Sparky:
The "Schuko" plug is probably the most widely used type in Europe - not just in Germany but also Austria, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and many more.
Its a round plug with two round pins for line and neutral and fits into a recessed receptacle. The ground connection is made by strips on the side of the plug which mate with two springs in the receptacle.
Have a look here for some pics:
http://www.king-cord.com/ourpro/europe.html http://www.powercords.co.uk/pc107.htm The only possible drawback to the plug is that it is reversible, so on a system with a grounded conductor it's no good where polarity is important. For the balanced system mentioned above, that wouldn't be a problem of course.
NJ:
As someone who has had to design and build power supplies to give outputs like 12V @ 30A+, I certainly agree that a 400Hz frequency would make things much easier in the filter capacitor department.
I take the point about 3-ph making it easier for motors as well. Most residential services in Continental Europe are 3-phase already (220/380V or 230/400V), although it seems to be done more for balancing single-phase loads than anything else.
Main GFI: OK if it's a higher-rated or time-delayed type solely to protect the panel and any sub-feeders and all branch circuits then have their own more sensitive GFI.
The systems here where the only GFI is the main are a nuisance. One ground fault anywhere and the whole lot goes off!
DS:
I think there are several different voltages used at 400Hz. Some of the ferries operating from the U.K. to Europe certainly use 220/380V systems.
[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 10-04-2001).]
