Furutech FI-E 11 (Cu)

Furutech FI-E11 (Cu), unplated copper Schuko connector

A power cord is only as good as its ends. On the wall side, it is the connector that draws current and transfers it to the cable, with its contacts, clamping system and earth connection. Furutech offers the entry-level model in its range of unplated copper Schuko connectors: ideal for finishing a self-assembled power cable, or re-terminating a cord whose original connectors restrict conductivity.

A Schuko connector to assemble yourself

The FI-E11 (Cu) is a male connector in the Schuko CEE 7/VII format, the continental earthing standard recognizable by its two round pins and earth contacts on the sides. It is KEMA-KEUR approved (the Dutch certification body) under reference 2076430.01, for two poles plus earth, 16 A and 250 V. This is not a finished power cord: it is the part that is screwed onto the end of a bulk power cable to make your own cord, or to replace the connectors on an existing cord. At the other end, on the equipment side, it is paired with an IEC connector from the same line, such as the FI-11 (Cu).

The CEE 7/VII format is type E/F: the connector plugs in and grounds equally well into a French wall outlet or a German Schuko outlet.

Bare copper rather than plating

The “(Cu)” designation distinguishes this version from the gold- and rhodium-plated variants built around the same body. Here, the conductors are made from so-called eutectic copper alloy (a composition that solidifies uniformly, without separation between its constituents), left bare, with no plating layer between the copper and the cable. Copper conducts better than the brass and bronze commonly used in connectors, and nothing comes between it and the conductor here. The trade-off is real: bare copper develops a patina over time, a thin surface oxidation that can be cleaned if needed, and it remains softer than a rhodium-plated contact. Choosing copper means prioritizing conductivity over surface durability.

Two-stage cryogenic treatment and demagnetization

All metal parts undergo Furutech’s two-stage Alpha process. The first stage is cryogenic treatment: the parts are brought down to between -196 and -250 °C using liquid nitrogen or helium, a temperature that reorganizes the metal’s structure and relieves internal stresses accumulated during manufacturing. The second is ring demagnetization, which removes residual magnetic fields left in the metal. Furutech applies this treatment across its entire connector range, from entry-level models to high-end references.

A body that accommodates large cables

The front body is made of glass fiber-reinforced nylon, while the shell is polycarbonate. Screw clamping holds cables with an outer diameter of 6.6 to 16 mm, up to 20 mm with longer screws. On the conductor side, the connector accepts cross-sections up to 5.5 mm² (10 AWG), enough to accommodate thick power cables. This tolerance has a practical consequence: with a very large or heavily sleeved cable, clamping requires patience and a firm grip. The assembly measures 89.3 mm in overall length, with a diameter of 39.3 mm and a 56.2 mm body.

Wiring, earth and plug orientation

Installation involves stripping the cable, connecting live, neutral and earth to their respective terminals, then tightening the clamp. This is work on mains power: it requires care and, if in doubt, the assistance of an electrician. The connector is supplied bare, ready to be wired. One point specific to Schuko: the connector is not polarized, so it can be inserted either way into a Schuko outlet, with no fixed live or neutral. Those who wish to maintain mains polarity should mark the orientation during installation and observe it when plugging in.

Technical Specifications

General

• Model: FI-E11(Cu)
• Type: CEE 7-VII, 2 poles + earth
• Finish: unplated copper
• Ratings: 16 A / 250 V AC

Materials

• Conductors: eutectic α (Alpha) copper alloy
• Front body: nylon / fiberglass
• Shell: polycarbonate

Dimensions

• Body length: 56.2 mm
• Diameter: 39.3 mm
• Overall length: 89.3 mm

Wiring Capacity

• Compatible cable diameter: 6.6 to 16.0 mm
• Maximum diameter with longer screw: up to 20 mm
• Maximum conductor cross-section: 5.5 mm² / 10 AWG

Floating Field Damper Technology

• Technology: patented earth / ground bridging system
• Function: reduction of floating magnetic fields
• Objective: limit noise and distortion generated by the connector’s metal components
• Principle: grounding of the main internal metal elements via a precision conductive structure
• European patent: EP1445837

Grounding

• Main grounding path: earth conductor and earth pin structure
• External housing: electrical continuity between its different parts is not a guaranteed specification
• Possible variations: depending on design, assembly and manufacturing tolerances
• Impact: no impact on electrical safety, grounding performance or intended audio performance