Plugs, fuses & bulbs

Depending on the country you’ve come from, you will need new plugs (enchufes) or a lot of adapters. Plug adapters for most foreign electrical apparatus can be purchased in Spain, although it’s wise to bring some adapters with you, plus extension leads and multi-plug extensions that can be fitted with Spanish plugs.

There’s often a shortage of electric points in Spanish homes, with perhaps just one per room (including the kitchen), so multi-plug adapters may be essential. Most Spanish plugs have two round pins, possibly with an earth built into the plug, although most sockets aren’t fitted with earth contacts. Sockets in modern properties may also accept three-pin plugs (with a third earth pin), although few appliances are fitted with three-pin plugs.

Small low-wattage electrical appliances such as table lamps, small TVs and computers, don’t require an earth. However, plugs with an earth must always be used for high-wattage appliances such as fires, kettles, washing machines and refrigerators. These plugs must be used with earthed sockets, although they also fit non-earthed, two-pin sockets. Electrical appliances that are earthed have a three-core wire and must never be used with a two-pin plug without an earth socket. Always make sure that a plug is correctly and securely wired, as bad wiring can be fatal.

In modern properties, fuses (fusibles) are of the earth trip type. When there’s a short circuit or the system has been overloaded, a circuit breaker is tripped and the power supply is cut. If your electricity fails, you should suspect a fuse of tripping off, particularly if you’ve just switched on an electrical appliance (usually you will hear the power switch off). Before reconnecting the power, switch off any high-power appliances such as a stove, washing machine or dishwasher. Make sure you know where the trip switches are located and keep a torch handy so you can find them in the dark (see Power Supply below).

Electric light bulbs in Spain are of the Edison type with a screw fitting. If you have lamps requiring bayonet bulbs you should bring some with you, as they cannot be readily purchased in Spain. You can, however, buy adapters to convert from bayonet to screw fitting (or vice versa). Bulbs for non-standard electrical appliances (i.e. appliances that aren’t made for the Spanish market) such as refrigerators and sewing machines may not be available in Spain, so it’s advisable to bring some spares with you.