American socket and plug. Adapter from American to European outlet
DA Info Pro - March 6. When connecting any household appliance to the electrical network, we do not think about what types of electrical outlets there may be. However, you can get into some confusion when repairing electrical wiring in a house abroad or in an apartment in which foreigners lived before you. In addition, you may encounter some problems when traveling to another country when trying to insert an electrical plug into the network.
Electrical plugs vary in different countries. Therefore, the US Department of Commerce (ITA) adopted a standard in 1998 according to which various types electrical sockets and plugs were assigned their own designation. We will write in detail about each type of electrical outlets.
Classification principle and main types
Total exists 15 types electrical outlets. The differences are in shape, size, maximum current, and the presence of a ground connection. All types of sockets are legally established in countries within the framework of standards and norms. Although the sockets in the image above may be similar in shape, they differ in the size of the sockets and prongs (plugs).
All types according to the American classification are designated as Type X.
| Name | Voltage | Current | Grounding | Countries of distribution |
| 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 determined by their history. For example, India, being a British colony until 1947, adopted its standard. The old standard can still be found in some hotels in the UK. Type D.
The image shows the types of electrical outlets in different countries around the world
Although polarity is not important for single-phase current connections, Type A and Type B sockets are polarized. This manifests itself in the fact that the plugs have different thicknesses - the position of the plug is important. In addition, in the USA, where they are widely used, alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 127 V is used.
Development of different 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 electrical engineering and devices in practice provide replacement cords for their devices for different types and countries.
Electrical sockets and plugs have evolved, including due to stricter safety requirements. So from Type D appeared Type G - increased maximum current, additional protective insulating coatings appeared at the base of the plugs.
Some connector types are already obsolete. So they left everyday use American Type I, Soviet Type I, old Spanish sockets, plugs with cut plugs. 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).
It turns out interesting with connecting electric stoves - maximum power can reach 10 kW. In various countries, norms and regulations have been introduced to use separate species electrical outlets for such powerful devices. And in some places they are generally required to connect without an outlet in a fixed way.
To connect plugs of one type to a socket of another, adapters are usually sold. They are found both from one type of electrical outlet to another, and universal - from any to a specific one.
One of the most unexpected situations is when you come on vacation and want to charge your mobile or camera, but the plug does not fit into the outlet.
This problem can be solved quite quickly; adapters are sometimes sold directly in hotels or in souvenir shops. But it’s better to prepare for such a turn of events in advance.
Today we will talk about sockets that are found in different countries of the world.
Types of sockets that do not require an adapter
First, let's look at the standard we are used to, which is accepted in Russia and Europe - this is type C And F. These types of sockets are also common in all CIS countries, Asia and South America. Support voltage 220 – 240 V.
Type G
Those who have traveled around the UK already know that the sockets there are very different from those we are used to. This is type G.
It is also found in Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore.
Type I
You will definitely need an adapter if you decide to travel to Australia, New Zealand, China and Argentina.
In these countries, Type I sockets are used. They can have either two or three (grounding) plugs.
In Australia, sockets are often equipped with a switch.
Type M
South Africa also has its own unique sockets; type M is used there.
At least the holes in this type sockets and round ones, it’s still not possible to plug in the usual plug. The distance between the holes is different.
In addition, because This type of socket is found in only a few African countries; universal adapters are often not suitable for it.
It is not necessary to have many adapters for different sockets. At airports you can find shops that sell various small items for travel, including a universal adapter.
In some countries, universal sockets are common and can accept European and North American plugs. Such sockets can often be found in Thailand:
When it comes to electricity, globalization can be forgotten. Even in the European Union, where there is one currency, there are different electrical outlets. Therefore, when 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 versions of optimal sockets; were built all over the world different types electric generators. And 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-pin plug with a short copper fuse. This design made it possible to save copper reserves for military needs.
Now, according to one classification, there are 12 types of sockets, according to another - 15. Moreover, sockets of one type sometimes accept plugs of another. However, if you find out that the country you are going to has the same type of socket as at home, don’t rush to rejoice! This is only half the problem. IN different parts Light voltage and current frequency may vary.
Classification of types of sockets and plugs in different countries of the world
The two most common standards are: 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 on 100–127 V is plugged into an outlet with 220–240 V.
In some countries you should keep your ears open. For example, in most parts of Brazil, 127 V is used, but in the north of the country 220 V is found. And in Japan, the voltage is the same everywhere - 110 V, but the frequency is different: in the east 50 Hz is used, in the west - 60 Hz. The reason is simple: first, German-made generators with a frequency of 50 Hz were purchased for Tokyo, and soon after that American ones 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, we first need to come to a unified voltage standard. And this comes down to huge financial expenses for refurbishment and refurbishment transformer substations, replacement of sockets and plugs.
* Voltage 100–127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz is used by the USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, partially Brazil and other countries.
* Voltage 220-240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz is used in most other countries, but even with the same parameters, the type 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 a grounding pin. Such sockets, as you can guess from the name, were invented in the USA and are widespread 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 from each other only in the presence of grounding - F has it. European socket 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 World War II the country experienced a copper shortage. Therefore, a plug with a short copper fuse and three pins was developed. In addition to Great Britain, the same socket is used in Cyprus, Malta, Singapore and other countries that were influenced by the British Empire.
Type I - Australian socket
This type of socket can be found not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand, Fiji, 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 rosette was old technology, but the new sockets fit two options.
Type K - Danish socket
This outlet can easily claim the title of “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.Fortunately, all these differences won't ruin your vacation or business trip - you just need to purchase a suitable adapter in advance. 
Universal adapter
Map showing the distribution of different types of sockets used around the world.
World map showing distribution various types sockets in use around the world. Countries using Types A and B are highlighted in red, countries using Types C and E/F are dark blue (which are 100% compatible with each other), countries using Type D are highlighted in brown, colors sea wave British type G, pink - Israeli types C and H, yellow - countries using Australian type I, black - countries using C and J, gray types C and K, orange types C and L, purple in South African countries use type M, pale blue countries use type N, and dark green Thailand types C and O. Please note that this simplified overview shows only the most common plug type , and sometimes several systems in the same country.
Full review all countries of the world and their respective plugs/sockets and voltages/frequencies used for household appliances. The table shows that most countries have electricity supplies between 220 and 240 volts (50 or 60 Hz), far superior to countries operating at 100 to 127 volts. The list also shows that types A and C are the most commonly used electrical plugs around the world.
Most countries have a clearly 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 connector is needed for a trip. In this case, when the electricity situation in the country requires additional information, the name of the country in question is highlighted in red.
There are 12 types in the world electrical plugs and sockets.
Letter classification - from A to X.
Before traveling abroad, especially to less 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 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.
The Japanese standard is identical to American sockets, but has stricter requirements for the size 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.
Additional contact 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 body is made in such a way as to prevent connection to European 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, special sockets compatible with Type C plugs are sometimes installed in showers and bathrooms. These 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. It is also found in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria), the Middle East (Kuwait, Qatar) and in those parts of Asia and the Far East where the British were involved 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 in 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: Great Britain, 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 large contacts, but also 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 Great Britain, 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.
Forks European standard 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.
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