Know The Types of Plugs Around The World Before You Travel

Many types of plugs are used throughout the world, and power outlets differ from country to country. Because of this, depending on the country you visit, you may need a power adapter to plug your electronics and appliances into the wall outlet .

However, the shape of the plug on your electrical device isn't the only variable that determines whether or not you can use it internationally.

The pins it connects to, the voltage and amperage, the polarity, and the voltage phase can vary by country. Many countries have different standards for these parts, so even if you have an adapter that allows you to connect your gadget to a power source physically, it may not work.

Additionally, it will be necessary for you to use an electric adapter that works with multiple countries because power outlets vary from country to country.

But before looking at the various mechanical plugs, let's answer one vital question.

Why Do Different Countries Use Different Plugs ?

The main reason not all countries use the same kind of plug is that technology hasn't spread around the world in the same way, and manufacturers and countries haven't agreed on how to standardize them.

As we can see, the race to make electricity more widely available commenced in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. We could never have imagined that the world would alter drastically, let alone that we'd be traveling the globe with an arsenal of electronic gadgets. Almost all electrical items were fixed, whether they were lamps, radios, televisions, or industrial gear.

As a result, it was sufficient for the plug to be compatible with the wall plug of the appropriate type. No one thought we'd be carrying around cell phones, cameras, hair dryers, headphones, and whatever else comes next in a few years. The most popular plug form in the country where the electrical products will be sold dictates the original plug choice for each manufacturer.

Consequently, there are presently 16 distinct types of plugs available on the market. Each of them is given a letter with which to name it. This page has plugs ranging from class A to type N. In addition, we'll go through each plug model in terms of which countries use it.

Plug Types From A - N

Because plug shapes, holes, sizes, and sockets fluctuate from country to country, a plug converter is required to ensure that your home equipment works when traveling. However, be aware that if a hairdryer meant for use in North America is placed into a European socket, it may generate an involuntary fireworks display.

We've provided the specifics for each plug type below to assist you in avoiding various hassles while avoiding an electrical hazard.

Type A

Power plug type A is typically used throughout North and Central America and Japan. These types of outlets have two parallel flat prongs. Because the US plug has one prong more significant than the Japanese connector, American plugs can be helpful in Japanese sockets, but the reverse is not always the case. There are holes at the end of the prongs of type A (and B) plugs designed to keep them from coming out of the socket, which is a great idea!

Type B

Type B Power outlet type B features two parallel flat prongs and a grounding pin; it is a typical plug for both North Japan and North America, though it is likely used less often in Japan. Like type A, the Japanese plug and socket differ slightly from their American counterparts.

Even though the A and B types are among the most dangerous plugs on Earth because the prongs are not insulated, they are still linked to the socket if they are just partially taken out of it, increasing the potential for electrocution. Ensure that all of your equipment is disconnected correctly at all times!

Type C

The type C power outlet, also known as the Europlug, features two round prongs and is arguably the most prevalent form of international power cords. The use of type C plugs is widespread; nevertheless, type C sockets are banned since they are "ungrounded" and pose a safety risk. However, you should remember that only sockets are now illegal.

Because it only has two pins, the type C plug is compatible with female connectors of kinds E, F, and K that have two holes and female connectors of types J, K, or N that have three holes. This is one of the most apparent benefits of the type C plug.

Type D

The type D plug has three huge circular prongs arranged in a triangular configuration and is rated for five amps. Along with types A and B, type D plugs are among the most dangerous in the world, as their non-insulated prongs increase the possibility of electrocution.

It is an adaptation of the British plug. However, the pins are rounded rather than rectangular, which resembles the plug used in Spain with an additional pin. The third pin, elevated and a bit longer and thicker than the two others, is used for grounding.

Like UK plugs, type D plugs are used in Nepal and Sri Lanka, two countries with close ties to India. Namibia is the only African country employing this plug model as its primary model. Thus it isn't surprising that the country uses it.

Type E

Unlike the type C plug, the type E socket has an 'earth pin' inserted into a slot on the plug and connects to the socket's grounding wire. It is used predominantly in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Type F

German engineers created type F power outlets shortly after the First World War; they gave them the nickname "Schuko plug," which is an acronym for the German word "Schutzkontakt," which means "protection contact." As with type C plugs, there are two earth clips on the side of this plug, which makes it compatible with type C sockets. It is primarily utilized in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Spain, and Eastern Europe.

Type G

Although the type G plugs are unquestionably the safest in the world, they have been dubbed "hulking," "cumbersome," and "larger than the device they're connected to" due to their three rectangular prongs forming an inverted triangle (for people from the UK they can certainly say this is a bit of exaggeration). The UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong are the main places you can find this plug type.

Type H

Type H power outlet is exclusive to Israel; it has two flat prongs, identical to plug B, but they form a V instead of being parallel; it also contains an earth pin; and in the 1980s, the holes of the plugs were created round to fit type C plugs. Like the other plugs mentioned, the type H plug might be risky since it lacks insulation that would shield users from electrocution. It is only available in Israel. Nevertheless, the plug is also utilized in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Type I

Type I Electrical outlet is also a variation of the plug with only two V-shaped prongs and no earth pin. Although there are slight variations, the type I plug is compatible with Chinese sockets. But it is most commonly used in Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Type J

Again, a type C plug typically fits into a type K outlet. Due to the high prevalence of E/F plugs in Denmark, the government decided to legalize the installation of type E and F sockets. This is used in Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Switzerland, Senegal, Guinea, Guinea, Madagascar, and the Maldives. This also works with the type-C plug used in Spain.

Type L

There are two styles of type L power outlets, one for 10 amps and one for 16 amps. The thickness and spacing of the prongs are different for each style, and the 10 amp socket works with type C plugs. The term "bypass" refers to a socket compatible with L and C plugs, while the word "schuko" refers to a socket compatible with C, E, F, and L plugs. Universal sockets are becoming increasingly common in today's society, including parts of Italy, Chile, the Maldives, Uruguay, and North Africa

Type M

Type M plug is comparable to the Indian type D; however, its pins are substantially larger. Although the type D plug is common in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Namibia, type M can also be used for larger appliances — some power outlets can accommodate both M and D plugs. South Africa, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nepal, Swaziland, Lesotho, Pakistan, and Singapore are among the countries that use it frequently .

Type N

In terms of plugs, this is one of the most intriguing models out there. It was designed to be a form of a universal plug that may be used in all countries—a type of universal USB port for power. The power outlet type N, which consists of two prongs and an earth pin, resembles the Swiss-type J standard in appearance but is incompatible due to the slightly different position of the type N earth pin.

Much like type M, this plug has two versions, one that can handle 10 amps and one that can handle 20 amps. Like many N sockets, this one is made to fit the type C plug. Only two countries use it, indicating how difficult it is to standardize the pins, and South Africa and Brazil fall within this category.

Plug Types Per Voltage

Whenever you travel, one more thing must be considered in addition to the several variations of electrical plugs that were just discussed.

In addition, the electrical voltage, denoted by the symbol V and measured in volts, varies significantly from region to region. In this particular instance, and fortunately, we do not have a great deal of variation. The great majority of nations provide their citizens with power that has a voltage ranging from 220 to 240 volts.

Despite this, the voltage of most facilities in the Americas is typically 110 to 120 V, with 120 V being the most frequent. The vast majority of plug adaptors and transformers are now designed to be resistant to both voltages.

However, if you plug devices designed for voltages of 110V into networks that operate at 220V and the equipment itself has not been changed, you need to exercise extreme caution when plugging in the devices.

Overall, you can summarize these plugs into three main types:

• American/Canadian,
• European,
• and British/Australian.

The American/Canadian plug has two flat prongs, while both European and British/Australian plugs have three round prongs. However, many countries have a mix of different types of plugs.

And we can't stress this enough if you're traveling internationally, it's essential to use an international adapter that fits the outlets in your destination country. Your device may come with one or more international power cords depending on its make and model, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase one online or at most electronics stores.

Taking a Trip Soon?

It is crucial to possess a working knowledge of the many plugs used worldwide before going on vacation or importing electrical equipment from another nation. It is the ideal approach to prepare yourself for when you come across those strange pins or those wall plugs that frequently make us think of an emoji.

When traveling outside of Europe, it is recommended that you bring along a universal adaptor just in case.

Conclusion

We hope this helps you do some of the thinking ahead of time when traveling abroad. Knowing how to plug in your appliances could make a big difference no matter how frequently you travel or whether you plan to go abroad for vacation. Please remember that electrical plugs and sockets differ not just between regions but even within regions and cities. Hence, checking the types of main sockets in any hotel or lodging you may stay at while traveling is essential. Happy Plugging and we hope this guide help, but please don't take our word for it; visit other countries and experiment with the plugs there; ask around when you're there!