Everything you need to know about Swiss power cables with SEV approval

Swiss power cables for commercial procurement: This overview shows when a Swiss-compliant design is required in companies, retail, system house projects, institutions or for resale. In the B2B environment in particular, it is not only the mechanical fit that counts, but above all specifications, predictability, customer requirements and standards such as SEV.

If Swiss specifications are expressly required in tenders, internal standards or customer requirements, the appropriate CH variant should be used to avoid queries, complaints and deviations in procurement.

Contents

Quick selection guide for commercial customers

  • For tenders, company standards or resale: Use the appropriate CH version if "Switzerland", "CH" or "SEV" is required.
  • For simple applications without explicit Swiss requirements: EU versions may be practical depending on the application, but do not replace an explicit CH specification.
  • For devices with protective earth: The earthed version, type J, is generally relevant.
  • For higher power requirements: 16A applications require a designated version and suitable infrastructure (e.g. type 23).
Area of application Recommended design Note for procurement
Companies, trade, resale CH design Particularly useful for clear customer specifications, tenders or standardised goods procurement.
Devices without protective earth conductor 2-pole version Ensure that the specifications and country of use are suitable.
Devices with protective earth conductor Type J Earthed version for typical commercial device applications.
More powerful 16A applications Type 23 / suitable 16A infrastructure Not to be confused with standard 10A versions.

2-pin type C plugs in Switzerland and Europe

The 2-pin Type C plug, which is widely used in many European countries, is also often considered the standard in commercial environments. These plugs are almost identical to the 2-pin plugs used in Switzerland, but differ in small details that are relevant to specifications.

Important note: EU Type C vs. CH 2-pin

EU Type C plugs and Swiss 2-pin plugs are almost identical, but differ in small details that are relevant to specifications. One key feature is the slight difference in the dimensions of the pins, which is less than 1 mm – this is small, but can be enough to prevent compliance with Swiss-specific requirements. For simple applications, an EU cable may work in practice, but in a B2B environment, the required specification (e.g. "CH/SEV") is what counts.

Tip: If "Switzerland", "CH" or "SEV" is required in tenders, project lists or customer specifications, the appropriate CH version should be procured.

SEV and ENEC approvals

For certain applications, cables from other countries (some with ENEC marking) may be technically usable. The ENEC marking confirms compliance with European safety standards – but does not automatically replace a Switzerland-specific requirement. If specifications, tenders or customer requirements expressly stipulate "Switzerland/SEV", the appropriate CH version should be used.

EU Typ C YP-21A
EU version type C – category: 2-pin power cables For applications without explicit CH specifications – depending on device connection and power requirements.
CH Typ C YP-21S
CH version type C – category: power cable Switzerland (CH) For CH/LI requirements and standardised commercial procurement – suitable for common device connections (e.g. C7/C13/C14/C15).

Why separate 2-pole cables make sense for trade and industry

For commercial and industrial applications, it often makes sense to keep Switzerland-specific versions separate and procure them specifically. This avoids deviations from customer specifications, unnecessary queries in sales and complaints in project business.

A clear separation between EU and CH versions increases security and predictability in purchasing, warehousing and resale, and supports consistent quality in application.

3-pin plugs

The 3-pin plugs, often referred to as type J, are the earthed version and offer additional safety for devices that require a protective earth conductor. They have three contacts: two for power and one for earthing. Typical applications in commercial environments include computers, monitors, power strips, AV technology and other devices that require a protective earth conductor.

CH Typ J YP-46
Switzerland Type J – Category: Power cable Switzerland (CH)

SEV approval

Depending on the application and requirements, a suitable Swiss reference or a corresponding test mark may be required for the Swiss market. When in doubt, the Switzerland-specific product variant is the right choice when it comes to procurement for companies, institutions, trade or resale.

3-pin with C19 device plug (16A)

Our Swiss power cables are equipped with type 12 and type 13 plugs and are designed for a maximum current of 10 amps. They are suitable for typical applications in offices, technical and general commercial environments – depending on the device, power and device connection.

C19 plugs are designed for higher-power devices that require up to 16 amps. In Switzerland, these applications typically require type 23 sockets, which are designed for higher amperage and are more commonly found in data centres, technical rooms or industrial environments.

Important: Installations with type 12 or type 13 are usually designed for 10 A. A 16 A application (e.g. C19) requires a designated 16 A socket (type 23) and a suitably dimensioned supply cable.

Note on the product range: We do not currently stock Swiss power cables with C19 and Type 23 plugs in our standard range. As an alternative, you will find the category for Swiss power cables here: Power cables Switzerland (CH).

Visual difference between plugs for type 12, type 13 and type 23 sockets

A plug for a type 23 socket differs visually and structurally from type 12 and type 13 due to its design for 16 A. This design ensures that a type 23 plug does not fit into a standard 10 A socket (e.g. type 13).

While Type 12 and Type 13 are used in standard applications, Type 23 is designed for higher currents and is more commonly found in professional technical and industrial environments.

Suitable product categories

Suitable categories for commercial procurement

For a safe and clear selection, here are the most important categories for Swiss power cables and suitable 2-pin variants for applications without specific CH specifications.

Power cables Switzerland (CH)

The right category for CH/LI-compliant procurement, standardised project requirements and applications with clear Swiss specifications.

To the category
2-pole power cables

Suitable for applications without explicit CH specifications – depending on the device concept, area of application and power requirements.

View 2-pin power cables
Note for buyers and resellers: If your customers, projects or internal standards require a Swiss version, the clear distinction between EU and CH variants is an important factor in reducing complaints, ensuring clear specifications and reliable procurement.
Power cables Switzerland (CH) 2-pin power cables

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