What are electrical outlets? Sockets in different countries of the world: types, descriptions and photos What sockets are in the world.

When it comes to electricity, globalization can be forgotten. Even in the European Union, where one currency circulates, there are different electrical outlets. Therefore, going abroad, you have to replenish your luggage with an adapter or look for it upon arrival. The reason for this is the historical factor.

In the era of electrification, inventors from different countries offered their own options for optimal sockets; different types of electric generators were built around the world. And the national companies involved in the installation of electrical networks supplied their devices suitable for these networks. Accordingly, different types of plug connectors and sockets were introduced and their own networks were designed. The developments of other countries were completely ignored.
Influenced the development of sockets and the availability of materials. For example, during the Second World War in Great Britain they came up with a three-prong plug with a short copper fuse. This design made it possible to save copper reserves for military needs.
Now, according to one classification, 12 types of sockets are distinguished, according to another - 15. Moreover, sockets of one type sometimes accept plugs of another. However, having learned that in the country where you are going, the same type of outlet as at home - do not rush to rejoice! This solution is only half the problem. In different parts of the world, the voltage and frequency of the current may vary.

Classification of types of sockets and plugs in different countries of the world

Two standards are most common: European - 220-240 V at a frequency of 50 Hz and American - 100-127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. You should not check what will happen if an electrical appliance operating from 100–127 V is plugged into a socket with 220–240 V.
In some countries, you have to keep your eyes open at all. For example, 127 V is used in most parts of Brazil, but 220 V is found in the north of the country. And in Japan, the voltage is the same everywhere - 110 V, the frequency is different: 50 Hz is used in the east, 60 Hz in the west. The reason is simple: first, German-made generators with a frequency of 50 Hz were purchased for Tokyo, and shortly after that, American generators with a frequency of 60 Hz were supplied to Osaka.
Perhaps someday a single standard will be adopted. A universal socket for all types of plugs has already been developed. But for now, it's up to everyone to install it or not. In addition, you first need to come to a single voltage standard. And this rests on the huge financial costs of re-equipment and re-equipment of transformer substations, replacement of sockets and plugs.
* Voltage 100-127 V at 60 Hz is used by USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, parts of Brazil and other countries.
* Voltage 220-240 V at 50 Hz is used in most other countries, but even with the same parameters, the appearance of sockets can vary greatly.

Here is a brief description of some of them: Types A and B - American socket

Type B differs from A by the presence of a third hole - it is intended for the grounding pin. Such sockets, as you might guess from the name, were invented in the USA and distributed in North, Central and partly South America, as well as Japan and some other countries.

Types C and F - European socket

Just like A and B, types C and F differ only in the presence of grounding - F has it. The European socket is used in most EU countries, as well as in Russia and the CIS, Algeria, Egypt and many other countries.

Type G - British socket

In the UK, the socket has three flat holes, and this design appeared for a reason. The fact is that during the Second World War the country experienced a shortage of copper. Therefore, a plug with a short copper fuse and three plugs was developed. In addition to Great Britain, the same socket is used in Cyprus, Malta, Singapore and other countries that have experienced the influence of the British Empire.

Type I - Australian socket

This type of outlet can be found not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Guinea, Samoa and sometimes in China, where types A and C are also common.

Type H - Israeli socket

Type H is used only in Israel and Palestine, and the pins of the plug can be either round or flat - this depends on when the device was manufactured. The flat shape of the outlet was in the old technique, but the new outlets fit two options.

Type K - Danish socket

This socket can safely claim to be the "friendliest" in the world - its design resembles a smiling face. In addition to Denmark and Greenland, which is part of it, type K is used in Bangladesh and the Maldives - however, several types of sockets are common there at once.

Fortunately, all these differences will not spoil your vacation or business trip - you just need to purchase a suitable adapter in advance.

Universal adapter

A map showing the distribution of different types of sockets in use around the world.

The world map shows the distribution of different types of sockets in use around the world. Countries in red are using Type A and B, dark blue are using types C and E/F (which are 100% compatible with each other), brown are countries using Type D, aqua is British type G, pink is Israeli types C and H , countries using Australian type I in yellow, countries using C and J in black, C and K in gray, C and L in orange, South African countries using M in purple, countries using N in pale blue, and Thailand in dark green types C and O. Please note that this simplified overview only shows the most common plug type, and sometimes multiple systems in the same country.

A complete overview of all countries in the world and their respective plugs/sockets and voltages/frequencies used for home appliances. The table shows that in most countries the electricity supply is between 220 and 240 volts (50 or 60 Hz), far exceeding countries operating on 100-127 volts. The list also shows that types A and C are the most commonly used electrical plugs worldwide.
Most countries have a well-defined plug and voltage standard. However, many Latin American, African and Asian countries use a motley collection of often incompatible plugs, and sometimes the voltage differs from region to region. This situation makes it difficult for travelers to assess which adapter or transformer plug is needed for a trip. In this case, when the country's electricity situation requires more information, the name of the country in question is highlighted in red.

DA Info Pro - March 6th. When connecting any household appliance to the electrical network, we do not think about what types of electrical outlets can be. However, you can get into some confusion when repairing the electrical wiring in a house abroad or in an apartment in which foreigners lived before you. In addition, some problems can be encountered when traveling to another country when trying to plug an electrical plug into the network.

Electrical plugs vary by country. Therefore, the US Department of Commerce (ITA) in 1998 adopted a standard according to which various types of electrical sockets and plugs were assigned their own designation. We will write in detail for each type of electrical outlets.

Classification principle and main types

Total exists 15 types electrical sockets. The differences are in the shape, size, maximum current, availability of a ground connection. All types of sockets are legally fixed in countries within the framework of standards and norms. Although the sockets in the image above may look similar in shape, they differ in the size of the sockets and pins (plugs).

All types according to the American classification are designated as Type X (Type X).

Name	Voltage	Current	grounding	Distribution countries
Type A	127V	15A	No	USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan
Type B	127V	15A	Yes	USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan
Type C	220V	2.5A	No	Europe
Type D	220V	5A	Yes	India, Nepal
Type E	220V	16A	Yes	Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia
Type F	220V	16A	Yes	Russia, Europe
Type G	220V	13A	Yes	UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore
Type H	220V	16A	Yes	Israel
Type I	220V	10A	Not really	Australia, China, Argentina
Type J	220V	10A	Yes	Switzerland, Luxembourg
Type K	220V	10A	Yes	Denmark, Greenland
Type L	220V	10A, 16A	Yes	Italy, Chile
Type M	220V	15A	Yes	South Africa
Type N	220V	10A, 20A	Yes	Brazil
Type O	220V	16A	Yes	Thailand

In most countries, standards are driven by their history. So, for example, India, being a British colony until 1947, adopted its standard. Until now, in some hotels in the UK you can find the old standard Type D.

The image shows the types of electrical outlets in different countries of the world.

Although polarity is not important for a single-phase current connection, type A and B sockets are polarized. This is manifested in the fact that the plugs have different thickness - the position of the plug is important. In addition, in the USA, where they are actively distributed, an alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 127 V is used.

Development of various types of sockets and plugs

The widespread use of electricity in everyday life required the introduction of standards in the field of connecting electrical appliances. This would make electricity safer, devices more reliable and more versatile.

And many manufacturers of electrical equipment and devices in practice provide interchangeable cords for various types and countries for their devices.

Electrical sockets and plugs have evolved, among other things, under the tightening of safety requirements. So from Type D, Type G appeared - the maximum current increased, additional protective insulating coatings appeared at the base of the plugs.

Some types of connectors are already obsolete. So the American Type I, Soviet Type I, old Spanish sockets, plugs with cut plugs have gone out of everyday use. In fact, many countries standardize sizes among themselves. And standardization committees are trying to make interstate standards official. The main such organization is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC, IEC).

It turns out interesting with the connection of electric stoves - the maximum power can reach 10 kW. Various countries have introduced into the rules and regulations to use a separate type of electrical outlets for such powerful appliances. And in some places they generally oblige to connect without an outlet in a fixed way.

To connect plugs of one type to an outlet of another, adapter adapters are usually sold. They are found both from one type of electrical outlet to another, and universal - from any to a specific one.

There are a great many ways to connect to the electrical network, different types of plugs and sockets, and for a tourist (along with different voltages and frequencies), such a variety turns into a serious problem.

Of the many connections, 13 most commonly used types of sockets are distinguished, denoted by Latin letters from A to M.

Type A

This type is designated as Class II. The plug consists of two parallel pins. In the Japanese version, the contacts are the same size. In the American one, one end is slightly wider than the other. Devices with a Japanese plug can be used in American sockets, but vice versa will not work.

Type B

Used in North and Central America and in Japan.

This type is referred to as Class I. The international designation for American type B is NEMA 5-15, Canadian type B is CS22.2, n°42 (CS = Canadian Standard). The maximum current is 15 A. In America, type B is very popular, in Japan it is much less common. Often, residents of old houses with type A sockets, acquiring new modern electrical appliances with type B plugs, simply “bite off” the third ground contact.

Type C

Used in all European countries except UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.

International designation - CEE 7/16. The plug consists of two contacts with a diameter of 4.0-4.8 mm at a distance of 19 mm from the center. The maximum current is 3.5 A. Type C is an obsolete version of the newer types E, F, J, K and L now used in Europe. All Type C plugs are perfect for new sockets.

Type D

Used in India, Nepal, Namibia and Sri Lanka.

International designation - BS 546 (BS = British Standard). It is an obsolete British style plug that was used in the metropolitan area until 1962. The maximum current is 5 A. Some type D sockets are compatible with type D and M plugs. Type D sockets can still be found in old houses in Great Britain and Ireland.

Type E

Mainly used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco.
International designation - CEE 7/7. Maximum current - 16 A. Type E is slightly different from CEE 7/4 (type F), which is common in Germany and other countries of central Europe. All Type C plugs fit perfectly into Type E sockets.

Type F

Mainly used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Spain and Eastern European countries.

International designation CEE 7/4. This type is also known as "Schuko". The maximum current is 16 A. All type C plugs are ideal for type F sockets. The same type is used in Russia (in the USSR it was designated as GOST 7396), the only difference is that the diameter of the contacts adopted in Russia is 4 mm, in while in Europe, 4.8mm contacts are most commonly used. Thus, Russian plugs easily fit into wider European sockets. But the plugs of electronic devices made for Europe do not fit into Russian sockets.

Type G

Used in UK, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cyprus and Malta.

International designation - BS 1363 (BS = British Standard). The maximum current is 32 A. Tourists from Europe visiting the UK use ordinary adapters.

Type H

Used in Israel.

This connector is marked with the symbols SI 32. The type C plug is easily compatible with the type H socket.

Type I

Used in Australia, China, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina.

International designation - AS 3112. Maximum current - 10 A. Sockets and plugs of types H and I do not match. The sockets and plugs used by the people of Australia and China are well matched.

Type J

Only used in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The international designation is SEC 1011. The maximum current is 10 A. Regarding type C, the type J plug has one more contact, and the socket has one more hole. However, Type C plugs will fit Type J sockets.

Type K

Only used in Denmark and Greenland.

International designation - 107-2-D1. The Danish socket accepts CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/7 plugs as well as Type C sockets.

Type L

Used only in Italy and very rarely in North African countries.
International designation - CEI 23-16 / BII. The maximum current is 10 A or 16 A. All type C plugs fit L type sockets.

Type M

Used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Type M is very similar to type D. Most type M sockets are compatible with type D plugs.

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We don't think about something as mundane as an electrical outlet until we're on a trip. And there, as at home, we have to regularly charge our smartphone or use a hairdryer.

website found out why not in all countries our gadgets and household appliances are compatible with local networks.

As the electrical grid developed, a wide variety of outlets appeared in the world. Various types of power generators were built, which also influenced the design of the connectors. Companies that were engaged in the installation of electrical networks also supplied devices suitable for these networks - each company had its own.

Some of the sockets created at that time (in a modernized form) are still used today, while others were abandoned for safety reasons. But until now, there is no single standard for all electrical networks in the world - in different parts of the world, the voltage and current frequency may differ.

Voltage 100-127 V at 60 Hz used by the USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, partly Brazil and other countries.
Voltage 220–240 V at 50 Hz used in most other countries, but even with the same parameters, the type of sockets can vary greatly.

In total, 12 main types of sockets are distinguished in the world (according to another classification - 15). Here is a brief description of some of them.

Types A and B - American socket

Types C and F - European socket

Type G - British socket

When preparing for a trip abroad, we take a lot of electronic gadgets with us, such as electric shavers, phones, tablets, laptops, e-books, cameras, MP3 players, etc. But, not everyone knows that in each country there is a different electrical system, in which there are different standards for electrical plugs and sockets, different frequencies, voltages and currents.

Therefore, before traveling abroad, it would be a good idea to find out in advance about the power grid system in the country in which you are going to arrive and prepare in advance. Otherwise, it may turn out that in the host country you will not be able to charge your electronic device and even turn it on to work from the network.

In different countries, the standards for sockets and plugs are different, so you simply cannot connect the charger to this socket, as it simply does not fit there. To protect ourselves from such disappointments, we should take care of this in advance by purchasing the appropriate adapter or adapter to charge this device.

Today you can buy a universal set of adapters that are suitable for most countries in the world. But still, before traveling to another country, it will be nice to find out about the standard of the electrical system in it, to find out the standard for plugs and sockets.

TYPE A

TYPE B

This is the same Type A connector, but with an additional round ground pin. Commonly used in the same countries as the Type A connector.
TYPE C

This is a REGULAR socket and plug, NOT GROUNDED. This is the most popular outlet in Europe, except for the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Used where the voltage is 220V.
TYPE D

This is an old British standard with three round pins set in a triangle shape with one of the pins being thicker than the other two. This socket standard is used for maximum current, used in India, Nepal, Namibia and Sri Lanka.
TYPE E

This is a plug with two round pins and a hole for the grounding contact, which is located in the socket of the socket. This type of socket is currently used in Poland, France and Belgium.
TYPE F

This is the ALL KNOWN EUROSTANDARD TYPE SOCKET AND PLUG, like type C, but with a grounding contact. This type of socket is used, for example, in Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway, Turkey and Sweden.
TYPE G

This is a British socket with three flat pins. It is currently used in the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, in the world, for example, in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Note - This type of outlet is often available with an internal fuse built in. Therefore, if after connecting the device it does not work, then the first thing to do is to check the condition of the fuse in the outlet, perhaps it is in it.
TYPE H

This socket is only used in Israel and the Gaza Strip. It has three flat pins, or in the earlier version the round pins are arranged in a V shape. Not compatible with any other plug. It is intended for voltage values of 220V and currents up to 16A.
TYPE I

This is an Australian socket, it has two flat pins, like in the US type A plug, but they are located at an angle to each other - in the shape of the letter V. There is also a version with a ground contact. This type of socket is used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina.
TYPE J

This is a Swiss plug and socket. It looks like a Type C plug, but has an extra ground pin in the middle and two round power pins. Used in Switzerland and abroad in Liechtenstein, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Maldives.
TYPE K

This is a Danish socket and plug, similar to the popular European Type C socket, but additionally has a grounding pin located at the bottom of the plug. It is the basic standard mainly in Denmark and Greenland, as well as in Bangladesh, Senegal and the Maldives.
TYPE L

This is an Italian plug and socket, similar to the popular European type C socket, but has an extra round ground pin located in the center, the two round power pins are unusually in line. Such an outlet is used in Italy, as well as Chile, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Cuba.
TYPE M

This is an African socket and plug with three round prongs arranged in a triangle shape, with the ground prong clearly thicker than the other two. It looks like a type D connector, but it has much thicker contacts. The socket is designed to power devices with current up to 15A. Used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.