Electricity & Home Appliances

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Electricity & Home Appliances

Note: A country's available voltage is printed on the glass of a light bulb, or the light bulb packet.

Utility services are managed at a cantonal level, with one organisation in each area supplying all the utility services - electricity, gas and water. This organisation is the Städtische werke-elektrizität, gas und wasse, or Centrale services techniques: électricité, gaz et eau.

To request services, contact the appropriate company in the canton (or commune). Most of the supply companies have online facilities for application or cancellation of services.

• Geneva: The SIG company (comprehensive website in English)
• Zurich: WWZ (in German)

Note: A low tariff electricity rate is generally available overnight ( from 20:00 to 06:00). Times may vary depending on the canton and the time of the year.

Plugs & Adaptors

Sockets generally take standard two pin, non fused plugs. Newer buildings in Switzerland have a different plug: three round prongs in a triangular pattern (adapters are available to convert the standard European safety plug or US plug to the Swiss socket). All domestic appliances bought in Switzerland will have a compatible two or three pin plug attached. 

• See Wikipedia for an explanation and a diagram of 2 pin plugs

Home Appliances from the US

It is not recommended to bring electrical appliances with a motor from the US (such as refrigerators, electric can openers, stereos). The voltage in the US is 110 and 60 hertz, while in Switzerland it is 220 volts and 50 hertz. The appliances would need a transformer.

Television and Radio

The transmission standard in Switzerland is PAL.

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Television & Radio in Switzerland
  

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