Note to tourists, migrants and hunters of seasonal discounts in foreign shopping centers. Having harnessed the power of electricity a long time ago, contented humanity has not been able to really agree on uniform standards for its operation - in the 21st century it is reckless to travel without a set of adapters.
Regular electrical outlets in different countries have various designs. If you have ever traveled outside your country, then you have probably noticed this feature. Due to this difference many factors, some of which we will discuss further.
Why are the types of sockets different?
First of all, the process of development of electrical networks occurred unevenly around the world, which naturally affected the shape of the sockets produced. Also, one should not lose sight of the fact that in different parts of our planet people used to generate energy. different kinds electric generators, and this also had an impact on the design of the connectors. In addition, the shape of the sockets also depended on the companies involved in the installation of electrical networks in a particular region, since these companies supplied equipment created by them and compatible specifically with their networks.
Some of the old connectors, in their corrected form, are still used in some countries, but over time they decided to abandon many because they did not meet safety standards. Moreover, there are no uniform standards even within power grids - current frequency and voltage may be different in different regions.
For example, in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba and a number of other countries, a voltage of 100–127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz is used, while the rest use a voltage of 220–240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. At the same time, the design of the connectors is different even if the parameters are the same.
Basically, there are 12 types of rosettes (another classification has 15). Let's consider their characteristic features:
American connectors: types A and B
From the name itself you can understand that these sockets were developed in the USA. Accordingly, they are common in Central, North and South (partially) America, as well as in Japan. Connector B differs from A by the presence of an additional hole for the ground pin.
European connector: types C and F
The most familiar socket options to us. As in the previous case, they differ in the presence of a separate hole for grounding. Distributed throughout the CIS, many EU countries, Algeria and Egypt.
British connector: G type
The peculiarity of the arrangement of sockets in Great Britain was due to the fact that during the Second World War the country experienced a copper shortage. For this reason, a plug had to be developed with three plugs and a small copper contact.
In addition to Great Britain, type G was also common in countries that were previously under the influence of the British Empire (Singapore, Cyprus, Malta, etc.).
Australian Connector: Type I
This socket design can be found in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati and the Cook Islands. The connector is also used in some regions of China.
Israeli connector: type H
This type of socket is common only in Israel and Palestine. The plugs may have different plugs - round or flat - but both options are compatible with this connector.
Danish connector: K type
Used in Denmark, Maldives and Bangladesh. It features the most “friendly” design.
The entire variety of connectors presented can be overcome by appropriate adapters purchased in advance. This will protect the traveler from unnecessary hassle while visiting another country.
It is not surprising that universal charging device is held in such high esteem by startup fans. Major manufacturers of consumer electronics have their own answer to the age-old question - Apple, for example, produces its own World Travel Adapter Kit. At the same time, you can find it on AliExpress.
Based on materials from yablyk
This article lists all types of electrical plugs and sockets accepted for use in countries around the world.
This is the so-called American type and plugs. The plug has two flat contacts parallel to each other. Used in most countries of North and Central America, particularly in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela and Guatemala, and also in Japan. And also in countries where the mains voltage is 110 Volts.
Type B
Similar to type A connector, but with an additional round pin. Used in everyday life in the same regions of the world as Type A plugs and sockets. 
Type C
This is our native European type of socket and plug. The plug has two round contacts parallel to each other. Its design does not have a third grounding contact. This is the most popular in European countries type and sockets except UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Used in everyday life where the mains voltage is 220 Volts. 
Type D
This is the old British type with three round pins mounted in a triangle shape. In this case, one of the contacts is thicker than the other two. This type of sockets and plugs is used to maximize current in electrical networks in countries such as India, Nepal, Namibia and the island of Sri Lanka. 
Type E
This type has an electrical plug with two round pins and a hole for a grounding contact, which is located in the socket of the socket. This type of socket plugs is currently used in Poland, France and Belgium. 
Type F
Models of this type are similar to models of Type E sockets and plugs. Only instead of a round ground pin, two metal clips are used here on both sides of the connector. This type of sockets and plugs is generally used in Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway and Sweden. 
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Type G
This is a typical British socket and its friend the three-blade plug. Used in apartments and private houses in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Note - sockets of this type of design are often produced with a built-in internal fuse. Therefore, if after connecting the device it does not work, then the first thing you need to do is check the condition of the fuse in the socket, perhaps this is the problem. 
Type H
This design of socket and plug connectors is used only in the State of Israel and the Gaza Strip. The socket and plug have three flat pins, or in the earlier version, round pins arranged in a B shape. Not compatible with any other plug. It is intended for networks with a voltage of 220 V and a current of up to 16 A. 
Type I
This is the so-called Australian outlet. It, like an electrical plug, has two flat contacts, as in an American type A connector, but they are located at an angle to each other - in the shape of the letter B. There are such sockets and plugs with a grounding contact. These models are used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina. 
Type J
Swiss type electrical plugs and sockets. The plug is very similar to its Type C cousin, but has an additional ground pin in the middle and two round power pins. They are used not only in Switzerland, but also abroad - in Liechtenstein, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Maldives. 
Type K
Danish electrical sockets and plugs. The type is similar to the popular European Type C socket, but additionally has a ground pin located at the bottom of the connector. It is the basic standard in the countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as in Bangladesh, Senegal and the Maldives. 
Type L
Italian plug and socket. The model is similar to the popular European Type C, but has an additional round ground pin located in the center, the two round power pins are unusually arranged in a line. Such sockets and plugs are used in Italy, as well as Chile, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Cuba. 
Type M
This is an African socket and plug with three round pins arranged in a triangle shape, with the ground pin being clearly thicker than the other two. It is similar to the D-type connector, but has much thicker pins. The socket is designed to power electrical devices with a current of up to 15 A. Widely used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. 
There are 12 types of electrical plugs and sockets in the world.
Letter classification - from A to X.
Before traveling abroad, especially to less frequently visited countries, I check the information below.
Type A: North America, Japan
Countries: Canada, USA, Mexico, part of South America, Japan
Two flat parallel contacts without grounding.
In addition to the USA, this standard has been adopted in 38 other countries. Most common in North America and on the east coast of South America. In 1962, the use of Type A sockets was prohibited by law. A Type B standard was developed to replace it. However, many older homes still have similar sockets because they are compatible with the new Type B plugs.
Japanese standard is identical American outlets, but imposes more stringent requirements on the dimensions of plug and socket housings.
Type B: Same as Type A, except Japan
Countries: Canada, USA, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean Islands, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, part of Brazil, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia
Two flat parallel contacts and one round for grounding.
The additional contact is longer, so when connected, the device is grounded before it is connected to the network.
In the socket, the neutral contact is on the left side, the phase is on the right, and the ground is at the bottom. On this type of plug, the neutral pin is made wider to prevent reverse polarity when connected in a non-standard manner.
Type C: Europe
Countries: all of Europe, Russia and the CIS, the Middle East, part of South America, Indonesia, South Korea
Two round contacts.
This is the European socket we are used to. There is no ground connection and the plug can fit into any socket that accepts 4mm diameter pins with 19mm spacing between them.
Type C is used throughout continental Europe, the Middle East, many African countries, as well as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Bangladesh, Indonesia. Well, and of course, in all the republics of the former Soviet Union.
German and French plugs (Type E) are very similar to this standard, but their contact diameter is increased to 4.8 mm, and the housing is made in such a way as to prevent connection to Euro sockets. The same plugs are used in South Korea for all devices that do not require grounding and are found in Italy.
In the UK and Ireland, showers and bathrooms are sometimes fitted with special sockets compatible with type C plugs. They are designed to connect electric shavers. Therefore, the voltage in them is often reduced to 115 V.
Type D: India, Africa, Middle East
Three large round contacts arranged in a triangle.
This old English standard is supported mainly in India. Also found in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria), the Middle East (Kuwait, Qatar) and parts of Asia and Far East, where the British were engaged in electrification.
Compatible sockets are used in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Namibia. In Israel, Singapore and Malaysia, this type of socket is used to connect air conditioners and electric clothes dryers.
Type E: France
Two round prongs and a ground prong protruding from the top of the socket.
This type of connection is used in France, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Denmark.
The diameter of the contacts is 4.8 mm, they are located at a distance of 19 mm from each other. The right contact is neutral, the left is phase.
Just like the German standard described below, sockets of this type allow the connection of type C plugs and some others. Sometimes the connection requires using force in such a way that you can damage the outlet.
Type F: Germany
Two round pins and two grounding clips at the top and bottom of the socket.
Often this type is called Schuko/Schuko, from the German schutzkontakt, which means “protected or grounded” contact. Sockets and plugs of this standard are symmetrical; the position of the contacts when connecting does not matter.
Despite the fact that the standard requires the use of contacts with a diameter of 4.8 mm, domestic plugs easily fit German sockets.
Many countries of Eastern Europe are gradually moving from the old Soviet standard to type F.
Often there are hybrid plugs that combine side clips of type F and a grounding contact of type E. Such plugs connect equally well to both “French” sockets and German Schuko.
Type G: Great Britain and former colonies
Countries: UK, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, Cyprus, Malta
Three large flat contacts arranged in a triangle.
The massiveness of this type of fork is surprising. The reason lies not only in the large contacts, but also in the fact that there is a fuse inside the plug. This is necessary because British standards allow higher current levels in household appliances. electrical circuit. Pay attention to this! The adapter for the Euro plug must also be equipped with a fuse.
In addition to the UK, plugs and sockets of this type are also common in a number of former british colonies.
Type H: Israel
Three contacts arranged in a Y shape.
This type of connection is unique, found only in Israel and is incompatible with all other sockets and plugs.
Until 1989, the contacts were flat, then they decided to replace them with round ones, 4 mm in diameter, located in the same way. All modern sockets support plugs with both old flat and new round contacts.
Type I: Australia
Countries: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji
Two flat contacts arranged “housewise”, and the third is a ground contact.
Almost all sockets in Australia have a switch for added safety.
Similar connections are found in China, only in comparison with the Australian ones they are turned upside down.
Argentina and Uruguay use sockets that are Type I compatible in shape, but with reversed polarity.
Type J: Switzerland
Three round contacts.
Exclusive Swiss standard. Very similar to type C, only there is a third, grounding contact, which is located slightly to the side.
European plugs fit without adapters.
A similar connection is found in parts of Brazil.
Type K: Denmark and Greenland
Three round contacts.
The Danish standard is very similar to the French Type E, except that the protruding ground pin is in the plug rather than the socket.
From July 1, 2008, type E sockets will be installed in Denmark, but for now the most common European standard C plugs can be connected to existing sockets without any problems.
Type L: Italy and Chile
Three round contacts in a row.
European standard C plugs (ours) fit Italian sockets without any problems.
If you really want, you can plug E/F type plugs (France-Germany), which we have in chargers for MacBooks, into Italian sockets. In 50% of cases, Italian sockets break during the process of pulling out such a plug: the plug is removed from the wall along with the Italian socket strung on it.
Type X: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia
A hybrid of type A and C sockets. Both American and European plugs are suitable for sockets of this type.
List of plug standards
List of plug standards
The two most common standards in the world are voltage and frequency. One of them is the American standard 110-127 Volt 60 Hertz, together with plugs A and B. The other standard is the European standard, 220-240 Volt 50 Hertz, plugs types C - M.
Most countries have adopted one of these two standards, although transitional or unique standards are sometimes found. On the map we can see in which countries certain standards are used.
Voltage/Frequency.
Types of forks.
Types currently in use
Electrical plugs and sockets vary from country to country in shape, size, maximum current rating, and other features. The type used in each country is fixed by law by the adoption of national standards. In this article, each type is designated by a letter from a US government publication.
Type A
Non-polarized Type A plug
NEMA 1-15 (North American 15 A/125 V, ungrounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 1-15
Unusual American 5-socket Type A block, circa 1928
This type of plug and receptacle, with two flat parallel non-coplanar (not in the plane of the plug body) blades and slots, is used in most North American countries and on the east coast of South America, with devices that do not require grounding, such as lamps and small devices with double isolation. This type is accepted by 38 countries outside North America and standardized in the United States by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). NEMA 1-15 receptacles have been banned in new buildings in the United States and Canada since 1962, but remain in many older homes and still being sold for repairs. Type A plugs are still very common because they are compatible with Type B sockets.
Originally, the pins of the plug and the slot of the socket were the same height, and the plug could be inserted into the socket in any orientation. Modern plugs and sockets are polarized with a wider neutral contact so that the plug can only be inserted the correct way. Polarized Type A plugs will not fit into non-polarized Type A receptacles because both slots in the receptacle are equally narrow. However, both non-polarized and polarized Type A plugs fit into a polarized Type A receptacle and a Type B receptacle. Some devices that do not care about the location of the live and neutral wires, such as sealed power supplies, are still manufactured with non-polarized Type A plugs (both blades are narrow ).
Japanese socket with grounding plug, for washing machine.
JIS C 8303, Class II (Japanese 15 A/100 V, ungrounded)
The Japanese plug and socket are identical to NEMA 1-15 type. However, Japan has stricter fork body sizing requirements, different labeling requirements, and requires mandatory testing and approval by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) or JIS.
Many Japanese sockets and extension cords are non-polarized—the slots in the sockets are the same size—and only accept non-polarized plugs. Japanese plugs will generally fit most North American outlets without issue, but polarized North American plugs may require an adapter or replacement to fit into older Japanese outlets. However, the mains voltage in Japan is 100 V, and the frequency in the east is 50 Hz, not 60 Hz, so North American devices can be connected to the Japanese network, but correct work not guaranteed.
Type B
NEMA 5-15 (North American 15 A/125 V, grounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 5-15A type B fork has, in addition to parallel flat blades, a round or letter-shaped blade U grounding terminal (US NEMA 5-15/Canadian CSA 22.2, _ 42). It is rated for a current of 15 Amps and a voltage of 125 Volts. The grounding contact is longer than the phase and neutral contacts, which means that the grounding connection is guaranteed before the power is turned on. Sometimes both power pins on Type B plugs are narrow because the ground pin prevents the plug from being plugged in incorrectly, but the slots in the socket are different sizes to accommodate correct connection Type A plugs. If the ground pin is located at the bottom, the phase will be on the right.
The 5-15 socket is the standard throughout North America (Canada, USA and Mexico). True, Mexico also uses Japanese-style sockets. The 5-15 socket is also used in central America, the Caribbean, northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and parts of Brazil), Japan, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.
In some parts of the US, new buildings are now required to install electrical outlets with protective curtains to prevent foreign objects from being inserted into them.
A 5-20R receptacle with a neutral T-slot installed with the ground pin facing up.
In theaters this connector is sometimes called PBG(Parallel Blade with Ground, parallel knives with the ground), Edison or Hubbell, by the name of the main manufacturer.
NEMA 5-20 (North American 20 A/125 V, grounded) according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 5-20
In new residential areas, since about 1992, 20-amp T-slot receptacles accept both 15-amp parallel-blade plugs and 20-amp plugs.
JIS C 8303, Class I (Japanese 15 A/100 V, grounded)
Japan also uses a Type B plug, similar to the North American one. However, it is less common than its type A equivalent.
Type C
Plug and socket CEE 7/16
(Not to be confused with three-pin IEC connectors C13 and C14)
CEE 7/16 (Europlug (Europlug) 2.5 A/250 V, without grounding), according to GOST 7396 .1-89 - type C5 option II
For more information on this topic, see: Europlug.
This two-pin plug is known in Europe as Europlug (Europlug, not to be confused with Schuko, which is called Europlug in Russia). The plug is not grounded and has two 4mm round prongs that usually meet slightly towards their free ends. It can be inserted into any socket that accepts 4mm diameter round pins spaced 19mm apart. It is described in CEE 7/16 and also defined in the Italian standard CEI 23-5 and the Russian standard GOST 7396.
The Europlug is equipped with class II devices throughout continental Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Germany, Greenland, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia). It is also used in the Middle East, in most African countries, South America(Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Chile), Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan) as well as in the former Soviet republics and many developing countries. It is also used in many countries along with the BS 1363 plug, especially the former British colonies.
This plug is designed for a current of 2.5 A. Since it is non-polarized, it can be inserted into the socket in any position, so the phase and neutral are connected randomly.
The spacing and length of the pins allow it to be safely plugged into most sockets CEE 7/17, type E (French), type H (Israeli), CEE 7/4 (Schuko), CEE 7/7, type J (Swiss), type K ( Danish) and type L (Italian).
Fork CEE 7/17
CEE 7/17 (German-French 16 A/250 V, ungrounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type C6
This plug also has two round prongs, but they are 4.8mm in diameter, like the E and F types. The plug has a round plastic or rubber base that prevents it from being plugged into the small Europlug sockets. The plug fits only into large round sockets for types E and F. The plug has both a hole for the grounding pin and contact strips for the side contacts. The plug is used in conjunction with class II devices designed for high operating current (vacuum cleaners, hair dryers), and in South Korea - with any household appliances that do not require grounding. It is also defined in the Italian standard CEI 23-5. Can be inserted into an Israeli H-type socket, although this is not recommended as they are designed for smaller diameter pins.
Hybrid E/F type
CEE 7/7 plug
CEE 7/7 (French-German 16 A/250 V, with grounding), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type C4
To be compatible with types E and F, a CEE 7/7 plug has been developed. It is polarized when used with a type E socket, but in type F sockets the connection between the phase and neutral wires is not observed. The plug is rated for 16 A. It has grounding clamps on both sides for connection to a CEE 7/4 socket outlet and a female contact for the grounding pin of a Type E socket outlet. Appliances supplied to countries using the E or F standard are supplied with this type of plug.
Type G
BS 1363 (British 13 A/230-240 V 50 Hz, earthed, fused), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type B2
Plug according to British standard 1363. This type is used not only in the UK, but also in Ireland, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Cyprus, Malta, Gibraltar, Botswana, Ghana, Hong Kong, Macau (Macao) , Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Mauritius, Iraq, Kuwait, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. BS 1363 is also the standard for some former British colonies in the Caribbean such as Belize, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. It is also used in Saudi Arabia in 230V appliances, although 110V appliances with a NEMA connector are more common.
This plug, commonly known as a "13-amp plug", is a large plug with three rectangular prongs forming a triangle. The phase and neutral contacts are 18 mm long and spaced 22 mm apart. 9mm of insulation at the base of the pins prevents accidental contact with exposed conductor when the plug is partially inserted. The ground pin is approximately 4 x 8 mm and approximately 23 mm long.
The plug has a built-in fuse. It is needed to protect the supply wire, as in the UK ring wiring is used, protected only by a central fuse, usually 32A. Any fuse can be inserted into the plug, but according to safety requirements it must be designed for the maximum current of the device being protected. The fuse is 1 inch (25.4 mm) long in accordance with British Standard BS 1362. Connections to sockets are made with the neutral wire on the left and the live wire on the right (looking at the front of the socket), so that a blown fuse in the plug breaks the live wire. The same convention is used for all UK sockets connected directly to the 'mains' wiring.
British Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) require socket outlets in homes to have a shutter on the live and neutral openings to prevent anything other than electrical plugs from being inserted. The shutters open when a longer ground pin is inserted. The curtains also prevent the use of plugs of other standards. Plugs for Class II devices that do not require grounding have a grounding pin that is often made of plastic and serves only to open the shutters and comply with the phase and neutral connection rules. It is generally possible to open the shutters with the blade of a screwdriver to accommodate a Type C plug (but not the BS 4573 British razor plug) or other types of plugs, but this is dangerous as these plugs do not have a safety lock and may jam in the socket.
BS 1363 plugs and sockets began appearing in 1946, and the BS 1363 standard was first published in 1947. By the late 1950s it had replaced the earlier Type D BS 546 in new devices, and by the late 1960s Type D devices were converted to Type BS 1363. Socket outlets often have phase switches for convenience and safety.
Type H
Two Israeli plugs and one socket. On the left is the old standard fork, on the right is the modernization of 1989.
SI 32 (Israeli 16 A/250 V, with grounding)
This plug, defined in SI 32 (IS16A-R), is not found anywhere except Israel and is not compatible with other types of sockets. It has three flat pins arranged in the shape of the letter Y. The phase and neutral are spaced 19 mm apart. The H-type plug is designed for 16A current, but in practice, the thin flat pins can cause the plug to overheat when connecting high-power devices. In 1989 the standard was revised. Now three round 4mm pins are used, placed in the same way. Receptacles manufactured since 1989 accept both flat and round prongs to accommodate both types of plugs. This also allows you to connect type H sockets to type C plugs, which are used in Israel for ungrounded devices. Older sockets, circa 1970s production, have both flat and round holes for the phase and neutral to accept both Type C and H plugs. As of 2008, Type H sockets, which accept only older Type H plugs, very rare in Israel.
This plug is also used in areas controlled by the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Type I
Australian 3-pin double socket with switches
AS/NZS 3112 (Australasian type 10 A/240 V)
For more information on this topic see: AS 3112.
This type of plug, used in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Argentina and Papua New Guinea, has a grounding pin and two flat power contacts in an inverted V shape. The flat blades measure 6.5 mm × 1.6 mm and are mounted under an angle of 30° to the vertical with a nominal distance between them of 13.7 mm. Australian and New Zealand wall sockets almost always have switches for added safety, just like in England. An ungrounded version of this plug, with two angled power pins but no grounding pin, is used with small double-insulated appliances, but wall outlets always have three pins, including the grounding pin.
There are several variants of the AS/NZS 3112 plug, including a version with a wider grounding pin, used by devices with a current draw of up to 15 A; Receptacles that support this contact also support 10-amp plugs. There is a 20 Amp version, with all three pins oversized, as well as 25 and 32 Amp options, with the pins larger than the 20 Amp plug, forming an inverted "L" for 25A and a horizontal "U" for 32A . These outlets accept plugs rated at or below the maximum amperage rating, but not plugs rated at higher amperages. For example, a 10A plug will fit into all sockets, but a 20A plug will only fit into 20, 25, and 32A sockets).
The Australasian standard plug/socket system was originally called the C112 standard (originating in 1937 as a temporary solution, adopted as a formal standard in 1938), which was replaced by the AS 3112 standard in 1990. As of 2005, the last significant change is AS/NZS 3112:2004, which requires insulation on supply contacts. However, it is permitted to use equipment and cables manufactured before 2003.
Chinese sockets accepting type A, C (top) and I (bottom, standard) plugs
China Compulsory Certification Mark (CCC)
CPCS-CCC (Chinese 10 A/250 V), according to GOST 7396 .1-89 - type A10-20
Although Chinese sockets have 1mm longer pins, they can accept Australasian plugs. The standard for Chinese plugs and sockets is established by documents GB 2099.1-1996 and GB 1002-1996. As part of China's commitment to join the WTO, introduced new system CPCS (Compulsory Product Certification System) certification, and the corresponding Chinese plugs receive the CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark. The plug has three contacts, grounding. Rated at 10A, 250V and used in Class 1 devices.
In China, sockets are installed the other way around, upside down, compared to Australasian ones.
China also uses US-Japanese Type A plugs and sockets for Class II devices. However, the voltage between the contacts of a Chinese socket is always 220V, regardless of the type of plug.
IRAM 2073 (Argentine 10A/250V)
The Argentinean plug has three contacts, grounding, and is designed for a current of 10A, voltage of 250V. The standard is defined by the Argentine Institute of Standardization and Certification (Instituto Argentino de Normalización y Certificación, IRAM) and is used with Class 1 devices in Argentina and Uruguay.
This fork is similar in appearance to Australasian and Chinese forks. The pin length is the same as the Chinese version. The most important difference from the Australasian plug is that the phase and neutral are connected to it in reverse.
Type J
Type J plugs and sockets
SEV 1011 (Swiss type 10 A/250 V)
Switzerland has its own standard, described in document SEV 1011. (ASE1011/1959 SW10A-R) This plug is similar to the Euro plug type C (CEE 7/16), except that it has an offset ground pin and no pins. insulated sleeves so that plugs that are not fully inserted into non-recessed receptacles present a risk of electric shock. Sockets used in kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas are recessed, but those in other places are not. Some plugs and adapters have tapered ends and can be used anywhere, while others only fit into non-recessed outlets. Swiss sockets accept Swiss plugs or Euro plugs (CEE 7/16). There is also an ungrounded two-pin version with the same shape, dimensions and live-to-neutral spacing as the SEV 1011, but with a flatter hexagonal shape. The plug fits round and hexagonal Swiss sockets and CEE 7/16 sockets. Designed for current up to 10 A.
A less common version has 3 square contacts and is rated at 16 A. Above 16 A, the equipment must either be connected to the mains in a permanent way, with suitable branch protection, or connected using a suitable industrial connector.
Type K
Danish 107-2-D1, standard DK 2-1a, with round power pins and semi-circular ground pin
Danish computer socket, with rotated flat pins and semi-circular ground pin (used mainly for professional equipment), standard DK 2-5a
Section 107-2-D1 (Danish 10 A/250 V, grounded)
This Danish standard plug is described in Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard sheet (SRAF1962/DB 16/87 DN10A-R). The plug is similar to the French Type E, except that it has a grounding pin instead of a grounding hole (it's the other way around in a socket). This makes the Danish socket more discreet than the French socket, which appears as a depression in the wall to protect the ground pin from damage and from touching the power pins.
The Danish socket also accepts Europlug type C CEE 7/16 or type E/F CEE 7/17 Schuko-French hybrid plug. Type F CEE 7/4 (Schuko), E/F CEE 7/7 (Schuko-French hybrid), and Type E grounded French plug will also fit into this outlet, but should not be used for devices that require a grounding contact. Both plugs are rated at 10A.
The variant (standard DK 2-5a) of the Danish plug is intended only for interference-proof computer sockets. It fits into the corresponding computer socket and the normal K-type socket, but the normal K-type plugs are intentionally made to not fit into the dedicated computer socket. This plug is often used in companies, but very rarely at home.
There is also an option for medical equipment, with a rectangular left pin. It is often used in life support systems.
Traditionally, all Danish sockets were equipped with a switch to prevent touching live contacts when connecting/disconnecting the plug. Today, the use of sockets without switches is permitted, but such sockets must have a recess that protects a person from touching live contacts. However, usually the shape of the plug makes it very difficult to touch the contacts when connecting/disconnecting.
Since the early 1990s, grounded sockets have become mandatory in all new electrical installations in Denmark. Old sockets do not need to be grounded, but from 1 July 2008 all sockets, including old ones, must be protected by an RCD (HFI in Danish terminology).
Since 1 July 2008, type E (French, two-pin, earthing pin) wall sockets have been permitted in Denmark. This was done because equipment with K-type plugs was not sold to individuals and to break the monopoly of Lauritz Knudsen, the only company making K-type plugs and sockets.
Schuko type F sockets will not be permitted. The reason is that most plugs currently used in Denmark will get stuck in a Schuko socket. This can damage the socket. This may also cause poor contact, with the risk of overheating and fire. Broken F sockets can often be seen in German hotels frequented by Danes. Many international travel adapters are sold outside Denmark with plugs conforming to types C CEE 7/16 (Europlug) and E/F CEE 7/7 (Franco-Schuko hybrid) that can be used in Denmark.
Type L
Plug and socket 23-16/VII
A visual comparison of Italian type L plugs rated at 16 Amps (left) and 10 Amps (right).
Italian electrical installation with sockets of both types L (16 A on the left; 10 A on the right).
CEI 23-16/VII (Italian type 10 A/250 V and 16 A/250 V)
The Italian standard for earthed plug/socket outlets, CEI 23-16/VII, includes two models, 10 A and 16 A, differing in pin diameter and pin spacing (see details below). Both are symmetrical and allow you to connect the phase with the neutral in any way.
The double standard was adopted because in Italy, until the second half of the 20th century, electricity for lighting ( Luce= lighting) and for other purposes ( Forza= force, electromotive force; or Uso Promiscuo= general purpose) were sold at different tariffs, with different taxes, were considered separate meters, and were transmitted over different wires ending in different sockets. Although both electric lines (and the corresponding tariffs) were combined in the summer of 1974, many homes remained double-wired and double-metered for many years. Thus, two sizes of plugs and sockets became the de facto standard, still in use today and standardized in document CEI 23-16/VII. Older products are often equipped with one of the standard sockets, either 10 A or 16 A, requiring the use of an adapter to connect the other size plug.
Ungrounded Euro plugs CEE 7/16 (type C) are also widely used; they are standardized in Italy as CEI 23-5 and are suitable for most devices with low current requirements and double insulation.
Devices with CEE 7/7 plugs are also often sold in Italy, however, not every socket can accept them, since the pins of CEE 7/7 plugs are thicker than Italian ones. Adapters are cheap and are often used to connect CEE 7/7 plugs to CEI 23-16/VII sockets, but the rated current requirement is often violated (16A instead of 10A), which can lead to an unsafe connection in some cases.
CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 10 A/250 V)
The 10-amp variety extends the CEE 7/16 by adding a center ground pin of the same size. Therefore, CEI 23-16-VII 10 Amp sockets can accept CEE 7/16 Europlugs. This type of plug is shown in the first picture.
CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 16 A/250 V)
The 16 amp looks like a larger version of the similarly shaped 10 amp. However, the pins are 5 mm thick, with a distance between them of 8 mm (the 10A version has a distance of 5.5 mm), and are 7 mm longer. The packaging of these plugs in Italy may claim that they are of the “Northern European” type. In the past they were also called per la forza motrice(for electromotive force) (about plugs under driving force see above) or sometimes industriale(industrial), although the latter was never the correct definition, since enterprises used predominantly three-phase current and special connectors.
Two-size or multi-size sockets
Socket bipasso(number 1) and Italian adapted socket schuko(number 2 in the photo) in a modern product.
Italian socket brand VIMAR universale, capable of accepting plug types A, C, E, F, E/F hybrids and both Italian L plug types.
Since it is a fact that the type of plugs found throughout Italy varies, in modern installations in Italy (and other countries where type L plugs are used) it is possible to find sockets that accept plugs of more than one standard. The simplest type has a central round hole and two holes at the bottom and top, made in the shape of a figure eight. This design allows the connection of both type L plugs (CEI 23-16/VII 10 A and 16 A) and Euro plugs type C CEE 7/16. The advantage of this type of socket is its small, compact front part. VIMAR claims that it patented sockets of this type already in 1975 with the release of their model Bpresa; however, soon other manufacturers began selling similar products, calling them in most cases by the generic term presa bipasso(two-standard socket), which is now very common.
The second fairly common type looks like an F receptacle, but with the addition of a central grounding hole. Sockets of this design can, in addition to Type C and 10 Amp L type plugs, accept CEE 7/7 (E/F type) plugs. Some of these receptacles may have figure-eight holes to accept 16-amp L-type plugs. The trade-off for versatility is twice the size of a normal L-type receptacle.
Other types may go even further in terms of compatibility. Manufacturer VIMAR produces a socket universale(universal) that accepts CEE 7/7 (Type E/F), Type C, 10A and 16A Type L, and US/Japanese Type A plugs.
Other countries
Outside Italy, type L CEI 23-16/VII plugs (Italian 10A/250V) can be found in Syria, Libya, Ethiopia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, various countries V North Africa, and occasionally in old buildings in Spain.
Type M
BS 546 (South African type 15 A/250 V)The term "Type M" is often used to describe the 15 amp version of the old British Type D used in South Africa and elsewhere.
In the USSR, two-pin sockets with non-spring solid ring contacts and a built-in fuse were initially used. These included forks with replaceable split round pins. Often on the back of the plug there were sockets for connecting another plug, which made it possible to connect plugs in a “stack” when there were not enough sockets. But later such plugs were abandoned, since the pins of such plugs often unscrewed and broke while remaining in the socket. Solid pin plugs required the pin to be held in place by spring pins in the socket, so older sockets cannot provide reliable contact between the plug and solid pins. However, low-power devices can be connected to such an outlet. Split plugs typically fit Type C pin diameters, but cannot fit into Type F sockets due to the shape of the housing.
Old spanish sockets
In old buildings in Spain you can find sockets with a special type of plug, which has two flat blades and a round pin between them. This species is vaguely similar to the American one.
The phase and neutral contacts have dimensions of 9 mm × 2 mm. The distance between them is 30 mm. All three contacts are 19 mm long. The diameter of the grounding pin is 4.8 mm.
Despite the fact that the plug resembles an American one, the two flat contacts are much further apart from each other than in the American version.
There are no devices sold with these plugs. An adapter is needed.
British electrical clock connector
British three-pin clock connector and disassembled plug with 2A fuse.
In old public buildings Fused plugs and sockets of various non-interchangeable types can be found in the UK, where they were used to supply AC power to electric wall clocks. They smaller in size than conventional sockets, usually designed to fit into distribution boxes BESA (British Engineering Standards Association), often almost flat. Older plugs had a fuse on both wires, newer ones only on the phase wire and had a ground pin. Most were provided with a retaining screw or bracket to prevent accidental disconnection. Gradually, battery-powered quartz watches almost completely replaced network ones, and along with them, similar connectors.
American "Type I"
American appliance manufacturers, Hubbell, Eagle, and perhaps others made sockets and plugs that were exactly Type I, similar to those used in Australia today. Such sockets were installed in the United States in the 1930s for electrical appliances installed in the laundry room: washing machines and gas clothes dryers (to drive the motor). It was impossible to accept type A plugs, which is probably why they quickly fell out of use, being replaced by type B sockets.
Greek "type H"
Sockets, plugs and tees of the old Greek system
Before the widespread use of the schuko system, sockets similar to the H type with round pins were used in Greece, which were usually called τριπολικές (tripoliks).
Perpendicular rosette, USA
Perpendicular slotted double rosette
Perpendicular Soviet slot socket RP-2B for 10A 42V AC
Another outdated type of outlet from Bryant is 125V 15A and 250V 10A. A NEMA 5-20 125V 20A or 6-20 250V 20A plug with a missing ground pin will fit this outlet, but a NEMA 2-20 plug is too large for it.
The top slots, as seen in the picture, are connected to silver clamp screws on the top, and the bottom slots are connected to copper screws on the bottom.
In Australia, the same or similar T-shaped sockets are used for DC power, for example in Stand-alone Power Systems (SAPS) or on ships. In this application, the horizontal slot is placed at the top and is at positive potential. In the same way, sockets are used for temporary equipment in emergency vehicles. In Victoria it is customary that top part The letter T is indicated by a minus sign and is therefore at negative potential. Outside Victoria, the vertical contact is designed to connect to the body/chassis. The top terminal of the T is positive on vehicles that have the chassis at negative potential. Also, the old vehicle is still running, with a positive potential on the chassis, that is, the polarity of the socket contacts can be any.
In the Soviet Union, and now in Russia, this socket was usually used to supply a reduced voltage for safety reasons, for example in schools, at gas stations, and in wet areas. The outlet is rated at 42V 10A AC. Such an unusual connection is necessary so that it is impossible to connect a low-voltage device to a 220V outlet.
US, combination double socket
The parallel-series receptacle accepts normal NEMA 1-15 parallel plugs as well as NEMA 2-15 series plugs. Both pairs of outlets are powered by the same source.
A more recent and fairly common version of this type is the T-slot rosette, in which serial and parallel slots were combined to produce T-shaped slots. This version also accepts normal NEMA 1-15 parallel plugs as well as NEMA 2-15 series plugs. By the way, a NEMA 5-20 (125V, 20A) or 6-20 (250V, 20A) plug without a grounding pin will also fit into this outlet. This type of socket has not been sold in stores since the 1960s.
Dorman & Smith (D&S), UK
D&S socket
The D&S standard was the earliest connector standard for ring wiring. The connectors were designed for a current of 13A. They were never popular in private homes, but were very often installed in prefabricated and municipal ones. They were also used by the BBC. D&S supplied sockets to local authorities at very low prices, with the intention of making money by selling plugs that typically cost 4 times the price of Type G plugs. It is not known exactly when D&S stopped producing plugs and sockets, but some local authorities continued to install them until the late 1950s years. D&S sockets were in use until the early 1980s, although the difficulty of obtaining plugs for them after 1970 forced residents to replace them with G sockets. This generally contravened local government redevelopment orders. The D&S plug had a serious design flaw: the fuse, which also served as a phase pin, was connected to the plug body with a thread, and often unscrewed during operation, remaining in the socket.
Wylex, UK
Wylex plugs and sockets were manufactured by Wylex Electrical Supplies Ltd. as competitors to the G and D&S types. There were varieties of plugs designed for 5 and 13 amps, with different widths phase and neutral contacts and fuse rating. The plug had a round ground prong in the center and two flat prongs on each side for live and neutral, slightly above the middle of the center prong. Wall sockets were rated at 13A and accepted 5A and 13A plugs. Many 13A plugs had a socket on the back that would only accept a 5A plug. Wylex sockets were installed in municipal and public housing, less often in the private sector. They were particularly popular in the Manchester area, although they were installed throughout England, mainly in schools, university housing and government laboratories. Wylex plugs and sockets continued to be produced after the final adoption of the G standard, and were widely used in banks and computer rooms throughout the 1960s and 1970s for sources uninterruptible power supply or “clean”, filtered networks. It is not known exactly when Wylex stopped producing plugs and sockets; however, plugs could be found on sale in the Manchester area until the mid-1980s.
Chuck adapters
Two Italian lamp sockets, with outlet. On the left is a 1930 example (porcelain and copper); right - ok. 1970 (black plastic).
The incandescent lamp socket plug fits into a bayonet or Edison screw socket. It allows you to connect electrical appliances to light bulb sockets. These plugs were widely used from the 1920s to the 1960s, when many homes had few or no wall outlets.
Often, lighting circuits are equipped with a 5A fuse or circuit breaker, which does not prevent the socket from overheating. Fuses were very rarely installed in the adapters themselves. In the UK and some other countries the use of such adapters is prohibited for fire safety reasons.
In Italy plugs for Edison screw lamp sockets were used very widely while the lighting network was separated from the mains general purpose, and some places in houses (for example basements) were usually not equipped with sockets.
Type A adapters can still be easily found in the Americas.
Rare types
NEMA 2-15 and 2-20
Ungrounded plugs with two flat parallel blades are a variant of the 1-15 plug, but are designed to supply 240 volts instead of 120. The 2-15 has coplanar power contacts (rotated 90° relative to the contacts in regular American plugs), and the voltage rating is current is 240V 15A, while 2-20 has two power contacts rotated 90° relative to each other (one vertical, the other horizontal) and a rating of 240V 20A. NEMA 2 plugs and sockets are very rare because they are used in household It has been banned in the USA and Canada for several decades. They are potentially dangerous because they are not grounded, and in some cases the plugs may be inserted into outlets of a different voltage. Before the NEMA standard for 120V at 20A, a plug almost identical to the 2-20 type was used. The 2-20 plug fits into 5-20 and 6-20 sockets designed for a different voltage.
Walsall Gauge, UK
Unlike standard English BS 1363 plugs, the earth pin is horizontal and the live and neutral pins are vertical. This type of plug was used by the BBC, and is still sometimes used on the London Underground on low voltage networks.
Italian connector Bticino Magic security
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| Left: Bticino Magic Security socket. In the center: an assortment of Magic Security sockets (orange - industrial three-phase socket). Right: Magic Security range of plugs. |
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Magic security connectors were developed by Bticino in the 1960s as an alternative to Europlugs or L-type connectors. Sockets of this type are almost rectangular, the plugs were inserted into a shaped slot, closed with a safety lid with the inscription “Magic”, which could only open when the corresponding plug was inserted into it. At least four models were produced: three single-phase general purpose connectors, rated respectively 10A, 16A and 20A, and a three-phase industrial connector rated 10A. Each connector had its own slot shape so that plugs could not be plugged into sockets that did not correspond to them. The contacts are located on both sides of the plug. The plug only connects to electricity when it is fully inserted into the outlet.
The obvious disadvantage of the system is that it is not compatible with Euroforks. Since household appliances were never sold with such a plug, after installing such sockets it was necessary to replace the plugs with the corresponding Magic security ones. However, the system Magic security was initially quite popular among consumers who valued security; The connectors used at that time were not sufficiently safe. When safety covers for type L sockets (VIMAR Sicury) were invented, Magic sockets almost went out of use.
In Italy, the Magic system has not been officially abandoned, and it is still available in the Bticino product catalog, although it is not popular.
In Chile, 10 Amp Magic connectors are commonly used in computer and laboratory environments, as well as in telecommunications plants, as a standard of reliability and safety, due to their polarization, difficulty of accidental disconnection, etc.
Sockets supporting Various types plugs can be found in various countries in which market size or local market conditions make the development of a specific plug standard impractical. These sockets accept plugs made to various European, Asian and North American standards. Because many plug standards are tied to their respective voltages, multistandard receptacles do not provide protection against damage to devices rated for other voltages. This forces users to know the voltage requirements for their devices as well as the prevailing voltage in the host country. With such sockets, you can safely use devices that automatically adjust to the desired voltage and frequency and do not require grounding.
These outlets may have one or more grounding holes for three-prong plugs. In correctly routed circuits, the ground pin is actually grounded; however, it is possible to determine whether this is so only with the help of special instruments. Even correctly wired sockets cannot guarantee a ground connection to all types of plugs, since it is difficult to create a socket of this design.
Legrand connector designed for high current (up to 32 amperes)
At three-phase connection electric stoves, the load on each phase separately is reduced due to the fact that each part of the stove is connected to a separate phase.
With a single-phase connection, the load on a single phase increases. The maximum power consumption of a typical modern electric stove is 8-10 kW, which at a voltage of 220V corresponds to a current of 36-45A. Conventional household wall sockets are designed, as a rule, for a current of no more than 16A, so the stove must be connected to the electrical network either in a permanent way or with a grounded connector designed for the appropriate current.
Different countries have different practices for connecting electric stoves.
For example, Swiss regulations dictate that equipment consuming current in excess of 16A must either be permanently connected to the network, with suitable branch protection, or connected using a suitable rated current industrial connector.
The electrical safety regulations of some other countries do not say anything about the method of connecting electric stoves, and everyone is free to choose the connection method independently. Often the consumer himself buys the first non-standard pair of plug and socket for a specific electric stove, and it often happens that they are designed for a current of 25-32A, since the user relies on the fact that the stove usually never turns on at full power. The non-standard nature of the plug and socket is explained by the lack of national standards for connecting electric stoves.
See also
Links
- IEC Zone: Plugs and sockets - This page is an informational list. See also main article: AC Power Plugs and Receptacles The two main standards used in the world are voltage and frequency. One of them is the American standard 100 127 Volt 60 Hertz ... Wikipedia
An IEC connector is the general name for a set of thirteen female connectors mounted on the power cord (hereinafter called connector) and thirteen male connectors mounted on the panel of the device (called input), defined by the specification ... ... Wikipedia
This term has other meanings, see Rosette. This article lacks an introduction. Please add an introductory section that briefly describes the topic of the article. Contained ... Wikipedia
This article is about the design, technical features and history of the development of plug connectors. For plug connector standards adopted in different countries, see List of plug connector standards ... Wikipedia
This term has other meanings, see Voltage... Wikipedia
- (CEE 7/17), mechanically polarized version The contour plug (Type designation: CEE 7/17) has been designed to be used, like the Europlug, throughout Europe. It is used when the device does not require protective grounding, but n... Wikipedia
Network adapters for plugs and sockets are divided into two main types:
- for equipment brought from abroad, the plugs of which do not fit into Russian standard sockets;
- for sockets that will be needed in another country to connect devices with Russian standard plugs.
Almost all adapters are manufactured by ANTEL. Available in any quantity!
We sell socket adapters to organizations and individuals - we work for cash and also by bank transfer.
Those who travel different countries, often encounter incompatibility between plugs on electrical appliances and sockets. Therefore, more experienced tourists anticipate such a situation in advance and put one or two adapters into the socket in their traveling suitcase - a simple device into which our plug is inserted, and the device itself is inserted into a “foreign” socket. And often the opposite happens: equipment brought from abroad does not want to be plugged into our outlet. And the voltage is suitable, and everything else is fine, but the pins on the plug are not the same or are not positioned correctly. There are more than a dozen different standards for household sockets in the world, some of them fit together without anything, but mostly for such cases adapters are needed. ANTEL has carefully studied this issue and produces adapters for sockets for almost all occasions.
A little information on the types of socket adapters:
- 2 flat parallel pins, used in North America, Canada, Japan, Cuba, etc.,
- 2 flat parallel pins and a third round pin in the middle,
— 2 round pins (Russian standard),
adapter type “D” - “old British” - three round pins,
adapter type “E” - there are two round pins on the plug and a hole for grounding,
adapter type “F” - a usual socket for us with grounding spring contacts,
- three thick flat pins, used in England, Singapore, Cyprus, etc.,
adapter type “H” - three flat pins diverging from the center at an angle of 120 degrees,
- two flat pins rotated 60 degrees, or three pins (Australian standard);
- three round thin pins, the central pin is slightly offset, used in Switzerland, etc.,
adapter type “K” - there are two round pins on the plug and a thick grounding socket,
- three round thin pins in one line, used in Italy, etc.,
— two thick pins and a third central one even thicker, used in India, South Africa, etc.,
adapter type “N” - two flat pins at an angle of 120 degrees.
Socket adapters can be simple, designed to connect one type of connector to another. And there are also combined universal adapters (for example, the so-called) designed for compatibility of several combinations of sockets and plugs at once. When choosing an adapter for a socket, you need to pay attention to the quality of the contact group: the plug should fit into the connector with force, sit tightly in the socket and be pulled out with force. You also need to pay attention to the permissible current load. If you have any doubts about whether the plug adapter will withstand your load, contact our specialists for advice; all contact information can be found on our page “”.
