CEE 7/5 (Type E / UTE) – French standard outlet for data centres
In French data centres, technical rooms and industrial environments, CEE 7/5 (Type E / UTE) is the official and legally defined power outlet. In practice, this outlet is often – but incorrectly – referred to as a “French Schuko” or “Schuko with earth pin”.
On this page, we explain what CEE 7/5 actually is, why this outlet is used in France, which problems it solves, and how Schleifenbauer can supply any PDU variant with this outlet. The content is aimed at integrators, data centre operators and end users looking for a PDU with CEE 7/5 outlets for the French market.
Schleifenbauer PDU
CEE 7/5 (Type E / UTE) – French standard outlet for data centres
The CEE 7/5 outlet is the French standard socket for fixed and professional electrical installations:
Official designation: CEE 7/5
National standard: France (UTE / Type E)
Key feature: fixed earth pin
Rated values: 16A / 230V
Unlike the German Schuko outlet (CEE 7/4, Type F), which uses side earthing contacts, earthing in a CEE 7/5 system is provided via a central earth pin. Equipment and plugs intended for the French market are specifically designed for this system.
CEE 7/5 (Type E / UTE) – French standard outlet for data centres
Where is CEE 7/5 used?
CEE 7/5 outlets are standard in:
French data centres and colocation facilities
Telecom rooms and edge computing locations in France
Industrial installations complying with French electrical standards
Government and critical infrastructure projects
International deployments where French electrical compliance is required
For projects in France, CEE 7/5 is not a preference, but the norm.
Why is this outlet used?
1. National standards and compliance
French regulations require an earth-pin based earthing system. This requirement is verified during inspections, audits and formal project handovers.
2. Reliable earthing
The fixed earth pin ensures:
A clear and permanent earth connection
No dependency on side contacts
Consistent electrical safety
3. Compatibility with French-market equipment
Many IT devices, power supplies and power cords supplied for the French market are specifically designed for Type E outlets.
What problems does a PDU with CEE 7/5 outlets solve?
Choosing a PDU with an incorrect outlet type can result in:
Non-compliant installations
The need for adapters or converters
Rejection during site acceptance
Unnecessary project delays
A Schleifenbauer PDU equipped with CEE 7/5 outlets avoids these issues entirely:
Direct compatibility with French infrastructure
No adapters required
Full compliance with local standards
Faster acceptance by the end customer
Schleifenbauer PDUs with CEE 7/5 (Type E / UTE) outlets
Schleifenbauer can supply any PDU variant with CEE 7/5 (Type E / UTE) outlets, without limitations in functionality or metering level.
Available PDU variants
Basic PDU Reliable power distribution without metering or switching
Metered PDU (input / branch) Insight into current, voltage and power consumption
Outlet-metered PDU Accurate energy measurement per outlet
Per-outlet switched PDU Remote power switching per outlet
Metered and switched per outlet (managed PDU) Full control, monitoring and automation
All variants are available in single-phase and three-phase,10A, 16A,32A en 63A, vertical or horizontal mounting, and are designed for data centre use.
Typical applications
PDUs with CEE 7/5 outlets are commonly used for:
Racks in France with locally supplied IT equipment
International OEM deployments within France
Edge computing locations
Test and staging environments
Retrofit projects where existing French outlets must be retained
Why Schleifenbauer?
Manufactured in the Netherlands
Build-to-order according to specification
Very short lead times
Complete PDU portfolio available with CEE 7/5 outlets
No compromise on metering or switching capabilities
The choice of outlet never limits the functionality of the PDU.
Frequently asked questions
Is CEE 7/5 the same as Schuko? No. CEE 7/5 (Type E) uses a fixed earth pin, while Schuko (Type F) relies on side earthing contacts.
Can a Schuko plug be used with a CEE 7/5 outlet? Only if the plug has an opening for the earth pin (CEE 7/7).
Is CEE 7/5 mandatory in France? Yes. For fixed installations and formal project acceptance, CEE 7/5 is the required standard.
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