Schuko Power Cord Guide for Exhibitors: Everything You Need to Know About EU C13 Cables

Schuko Power Cord Guide for Exhibitors: Everything You Need to Know About EU C13 Cables

If you're exhibiting at a European trade show — whether it's Messe Frankfurt, Fiera Milano, or any venue across Germany, France, or the Netherlands — you'll need a Schuko power cord to connect your booth lights to the wall. This guide explains what Schuko means, how it works with IEC C13 display lighting, and what to look for when buying.

What Is a Schuko Plug?

Schuko (short for Schutzkontakt, German for "protective contact") is the informal name for the CEE 7/4 plug standard, widely used across continental Europe. The matching socket standard is CEE 7/3, and the combined plug/socket system is often referred to as CEE 7/7.

Key characteristics:

• Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm apart)
• Two grounding clips on the sides of the plug
• Rated for 16A / 250V
• Used in: Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, and most of continental Europe

Note: Schuko is NOT used in the UK (which uses BS 1363) or in Switzerland (which uses SEV 1011). Always confirm your venue's outlet type before traveling.

Schuko to C13: The Standard EU Exhibition Power Cable

For trade show display lights with a C14 inlet, the correct cable for European venues is:

CEE 7/7 (Schuko) to IEC C13 — 3 meters

This is the cable that:

• Plugs into European wall outlets and power strips at exhibition halls
• Connects to the C14 inlet on your display arm light, lightbox, or LED fixture
• Provides grounded, safe power delivery at 100–250V

Learn more about the C13 connector in our guide: What is an IEC C13 Power Cord?

Which European Trade Show Venues Use Schuko?

Tip: Most European exhibition halls provide Schuko outlets at floor level or via overhead power drops. Always bring at least 2 spare cables per booth.

Schuko vs. Other European Plug Standards

For exhibition use, always use a CEE 7/7 to C13 cable — it's the only type that provides full grounding in Schuko sockets.

How to Choose a Schuko C13 Cable for Your Booth

• Length: 3 meters (9.8 ft) is the standard for most booth setups
• Rating: Minimum 10A / 250V for display lighting
• Grounding: Must be a 3-conductor cable (Live + Neutral + Earth)
• Certification: Look for CE marking for European compliance
• Build: Heavy-duty PVC jacket for repeated trade show use

Browse our universal IEC C13 power cord with EU Schuko plug — available in US, EU, UK, and AU plug types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Schuko mean?
A: Schuko is short for Schutzkontakt (German for "protective contact"). It refers to the grounded plug standard used across most of continental Europe, formally known as CEE 7/4.

Q: Is a Schuko plug the same as a standard European plug?
A: Almost. The standard "Europlug" (CEE 7/16) has two round pins but no grounding. A Schuko plug adds two grounding clips on the sides. For trade show lighting, always use a grounded Schuko cable.

Q: Can I use a Schuko cable in France?
A: Yes. French outlets (CEE 7/5) accept Schuko plugs (CEE 7/7) because the CEE 7/7 standard is designed to be compatible with both Schuko and French sockets.

Q: What cable do I need for a European trade show booth light?
A: A CEE 7/7 (Schuko) to IEC C13 cable, 3 meters. This connects your C14-inlet display light to any Schuko wall outlet at European exhibition venues.

Q: Where can I buy a Schuko C13 power cord for exhibition lights?
A: Booth Lights carries a universal IEC C13 power cord with EU Schuko plug specifically designed for trade show and exhibition use.