How electrics work in the Netherlands
Homes in the Netherlands run on 230 volt at 50 Hz. Most sockets are the earthed type with two round pins. A normal circuit is protected at 16 ampere, which can supply about 3,680 watts. Heavy appliances such as an oven, induction hob or dryer should have their own circuit.
Dutch electrical terms in English
- Groepenkast: fuse box or consumer unit
- Meterkast: meter cupboard, where the meter and fuse box usually are
- Groep: circuit
- Aardlekschakelaar: earth leakage switch (RCD)
- Automaat: circuit breaker
- 1-fase and 3-fase: 1-phase and 3-phase connection
- Storing: fault or power cut
- Netbeheerder: grid operator
1-phase or 3-phase
Most Amsterdam apartments have a 1-phase connection. A 3-phase connection is more common in houses and is needed for some heavy appliances, such as certain cookers or fast EV chargers. Changing the connection is done through the grid operator. We can tell you whether it is needed. See the fuse box price calculator.
Renting a home
If you rent, your landlord is responsible for the installation in most cases. Report faults to them first. For changes such as a new circuit or a charger, ask for permission. If you want a second opinion, send us a photo of the fuse box and we will explain what we see.
Talking to us
You can call, write or send photos by WhatsApp in English. Describe the problem, send a photo of the fuse box with the door open, and we will explain the options in plain language.
Common jobs for newcomers
- Breakers that trip when several appliances run at once, see installing a new circuit
- Power cut or fault, see emergency electrician
- Charging an electric car, see EV charger installation
- Replacing an old fuse box, see fuse box replacement
Where we work
We work in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, including Diemen, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, Weesp and Purmerend. See our service area.