Why do all continents have different sockets? Types of electrical sockets and plugs in different countries What sockets in different countries
We buy a lot of electrical household appliances of different power, made in the EU countries, in which the power cords end with European-type electric plugs. It is known that they differ not only in the diameter of the metal part from our domestic ones, but also in shape, greater potential power and the presence of one or two ground contacts. But we must not forget about the so-called "Soviet" type, which is still widely used in Russia and the CIS countries, along with electrical appliances of the past, so let's start with them. short review European type electrical plugs with them.
One of the most common plug designs in the USSR, designed for 220V, 6A
This type, called the Soviet C1 / B, is still produced in our homeland and, in terms of its qualities, it can be equated with the European type CEE 7 / 16 Europlug. Electric plugs of this type are designed for a current of 6 A and 10 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. They do not have ground terminals, but there is one advantage, which is that their design is collapsible, which means that if the cable is damaged, you can replace it, leaving the socket the same and not spending money on a new one. The diameter of the pins in the Soviet plug is 4 mm.
The next type of electrical plug, which also has 4 mm pins and is widely used in European countries, except for England, Ireland and Malta, belongs to CEE class 7/16 Europlug. Used in the operation of household electrical appliances low power, without ground contacts and is rated for current up to 2.5 A at a voltage of 1100 - 220 V. Compatible with class C, C1, E, F.
Type C6 (in Europe CEE 7/17) we have a “Euro plug”, with round pins (knives) with a diameter of 4.8 mm
But the French type of electrical plug has metal pins already with a diameter of 4.8 mm and one ground contact. Widely used in France, Poland and Belgium. They are used for medium power devices such as vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, water heaters, etc. This type of plug can withstand current up to 16 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V. Compatible with sockets type C, E, F, but with Soviet type C1 /B are not compatible and can only be used with an adapter.
For electrical appliances of medium and high power consumption, the European German type of Schuko CEE 7/4 plugs is used, which is widely used in Germany, Sweden, Norway and Holland.
CEE 7/4 Schuko plug and Schuko socket
Designed for current up to 16 A, in some versions up to 25 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V, has a pin diameter of 4.8 mm, one grounding pin and is compatible with sockets C and F. According to its characteristics, "Schuko" CEE 7/4 Fits French type E CEE 7/5 plugs.
There is also a hybrid type of E/F electric plugs - CTT 7|7, which combines German and French quality. Very common in the European Union when using appliances of medium and high power consumption. They have a grounding contact, suitable for sockets type C, E and F with a metal pin diameter of 4.8 mm.
It's really very inconvenient. Okay, before people traveled a little around the world, now it's practically not a luxury. Remember, when household appliances assembled in Europe began to arrive in Russia, how many problems there were with our Soviet sockets. Bought adapters, they burned. Only not so long ago finally got rid of this problem.
I was in Cyprus in the spring - there are quite unusual British sockets. In a small town in Russia, you can’t buy adapters; upon arrival, you had to run around there, look for them, overpay. Soon I'm going to the Dominican Republic - and there again there are other sockets, American ones (sort of). Adapters will again have to be bought on the spot and not in 1 copy.
And all why...
In the era of electrification, inventors from different countries offered their own options for optimal sockets; built around the world different types generators.
First, the struggle of technologies at the dawn of the development of electricity left its mark. We are talking about the opposition of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla in the creation of DC and AC networks, respectively. Although we know that AC power plants eventually won out, the DC infrastructure built in the US up to the 1920s (and in Stockholm up to the 1950s) has to be maintained and used right up to the present day. .
Secondly, many inventors offered their own options for optimal (in their opinion) sockets. For example, in 1904, the American inventor Harvey Hubbel received a patent for the first electrical outlet. By its design, it was a kind of adapter for an electric chuck-plug. The adapter was screwed into the cartridge instead of a light bulb, and some electrical appliance was connected to it.
The German engineer Albert Büttner created the "Euro socket" known to us today in 1926. And the first socket with grounding was created by Philippe Labre in 1927.
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. Curiously, the use of the 3-pin plug in the UK was in stark contrast to the rest of Europe and even North America, where 2-pin plugs were widely used and also differed in design, all due to the lack of communication in the early days. power supply development.
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 light voltage and current frequency may vary.
Classification of types of sockets and plugs in different countries peace
The most common are two standards: 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, 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, 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 whether 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 100-127V @ 60Hz is used by USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, part of 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 short description some of them:
Types A and B - American socket
Type B differs from A in that it has a third hole, which is for the ground 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 - UK 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, depending 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 outlet can easily 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.
Map showing distribution various types outlets used worldwide.(link to interactive map)
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 in yellow are using Australian type I, black are countries using type C and J, gray are types C and K, orange are types C and L, purple is in South Africa using type M, pale blue is countries using type N, and dark green is Thailand 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.
For a complete and thorough overview of the electrical plugs used in each country, click .
List of countries in the world with their respective plug and socket types, voltages and frequencies. link worldstandards.eu/electrici...
A complete overview of all countries in the world and their respective plugs/sockets and voltages/frequencies used for household 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.
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But for a long, long time we discussed . And here is the specifics of the American temperature:
Try to imagine homo modernus without mobile phones, cameras, laptops, navigation systems and other gadgets? The answer is simple: it's impossible. Well, all these benefits of civilization cannot exist without "nutrition", they need recharging.
That is why beaches, parks, museums fade into the background, and the first thing a traveler should think about is what sockets and what voltage will be in the country where he is going.
In most cases, the issue is resolved with the help of an adapter. But it can become useless if the voltage in the network is very different from the native, domestic one. For example, in Europe the voltage varies from 220 to 240 V in the USA and Japan - from 100 to 127 V. If you don't guess, burn your device.
Let's try to understand the wisdom of electrical engineering.
Voltage and frequency
By and large, in the world, only two levels of electrical voltage are used in the household network:
European - 220 - 240 V and American - 100 - 127 V, and two AC frequencies - 50 and 60 Hz.
Voltage 220 - 240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz is used by most countries of the world.
Voltage 100 -127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz - in the USA, countries of North, Central and, in part, South America, Japan, etc.
At the same time, there are variations, for example, in the Philippines, 220 V and 60 Hz, and in Madagascar - on the contrary, 100 V and 50 Hz, even within the same country, depending on the region, there may be different standards, for example, in different parts of Brazil , Japan, Saudi Arabia, Maldives.
Therefore, before you hit the road, collect as much information as possible about the circuits and signals, the types of sockets used in the country and the voltage in the network.
Electrical sockets
There are a lot of sockets, plugs and options for connecting to the electrical network. But do not be afraid, there is no need to deal with everyone and look for each adapter.
It is necessary to remember (save, sketch, photograph) the 13 most used types of sockets, which are indicated in Latin letters from A to M:
Type A - American electrical socket and plug: two flat parallel contacts. It is used in most countries of North and Central America (USA, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala), in Japan, and almost everywhere where the mains voltage is 110 V.
Type B is a variation of the Type A connector, with an additional round ground pin. Commonly used in the same countries as the Type A connector.
Type C - European socket and plug. It has two round parallel contacts (without grounding). This is the most popular outlet in Europe, except for England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Used where the voltage is 220V.
Type D is an old British standard with three round contacts arranged in a triangle shape, with one of the contacts thicker than the other two, rated for maximum current. Used in India, Nepal, Namibia, Sri Lanka.
Type E - plug with two round pins and a hole for the grounding contact, which is located in the socket socket. This type is now almost universally used in Poland, France and Belgium.
Type F - standard similar to type E, but instead of a round ground pin, there are two metal clips on both sides of the connector. You will find such sockets in Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway, Sweden.
Type G - British socket with three flat pins. Used in England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Note. This type of socket often comes with a built-in internal fuse. 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.
Type H - has three flat contacts or, in the earlier version, round contacts arranged in a V shape. Only used in Israel and Gaza. Not compatible with any other plug, designed for voltages of 220 V and currents up to 16 A.
Type I - Australian socket: two flat pins, like the US type A plug, but they are angled to each other - in the shape of a V. Also available in a version with a ground contact. Used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina.
Type J - 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, Liechtenstein, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Maldives.
Type K - Danish socket and plug, similar to the European type C, but with a grounding contact located at the bottom of the connector. Used in Denmark, Greenland, Bangladesh, Senegal and the Maldives.
Type L - Italian plug and socket, similar to the European Type C socket, but with a round ground pin that is in the center, the two round power pins are arranged unusually in a line. Used in Italy, Chile, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Cuba.
Type M - an African socket and plug with three round pins arranged in a triangle shape, while the ground pin is clearly thicker than the other two. It looks like a type D connector, but it has much thicker contacts. A socket is designed to power devices with a current of up to 15 A. Used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.
A few words about various kinds of adapters.
The easiest way to be ready to put the plug in the outlet is to pre-purchase an adapter, converter or transformer (that's whoever needs it). In most hotels, if you ask, the right device will be picked up for you at the reception.
Adapters - combine your plug with someone else's outlet without affecting the voltage, the most versatile device.
Converters - provide the conversion of local parameters of the electrical network, but for a short time, up to 2 hours. It is used for small (camping) household appliances: hair dryer, razor, kettle, iron. Convenient on the road due to small size and weight.
Transformers are more powerful, large and expensive voltage converters designed for continuous operation. Used for complex electrical appliances: computers, TVs, etc.
And at the end, an easy life hack on how to use an English socket without an adapter
Happy travels!
Sources: wikimedia.org, travel.ru, enovator.ru, personal experience.
Note to tourists, migrants and hunters for seasonal discounts in foreign shopping glasses. Having curbed the power of electricity a long time ago, contented humanity could not really agree on uniform standards for its operation - in the 21st century it would be reckless to travel without a set of adapters.
Ordinary electrical sockets in different countries have various designs. If you happened to travel outside your country, then you probably noticed this feature. This difference is due to many factors, some of which we will reveal below.
Why are socket types different?
First of all, the process of development of electrical networks was not uniform throughout the world, which naturally affected the shape of the outlets produced. Also, do not lose sight of the fact that in different parts of our planet people used to generate energy different kinds power 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 with their networks.
Some of the old connectors in the corrected form are still used in some countries, but over time they decided to abandon many, as they did not meet safety standards. Moreover, common standards not even within the power grids - in different regions current frequency and voltage can be different.
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 at 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 sockets (another classification has 15). 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 distributed in Central, North and South (partly) America, as well as in Japan. Connector B differs from A in having an additional hole for a grounding pin.
European connector: types C and F
The most familiar options for sockets. As in the previous case, they differ in the presence of a separate hole for grounding. Distributed in the CIS, in many EU countries, in Algeria and Egypt.
British plug: type G
The peculiarity of the device of sockets in the UK was due to the fact that during the Second World War the country experienced a shortage of copper. 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 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. Also, the connector is used in some regions of China.
Israeli connector: type H
This type of outlet is common only in Israel and Palestine. The plugs on the plugs may differ - be round or flat - but both options are compatible with this connector.
Danish connector: type K
Used in Denmark, Maldives and Bangladesh. It has the most "friendly" design.
All the presented variety of connectors is overcome by pre-purchased corresponding adapters. This will protect the traveler from unnecessary hassle while visiting another country.
Not surprisingly, universal charging device held in high regard by fans of startups. Major manufacturers of consumer electronics have their own answer to the age-old question - Apple, for example, releases its own World Travel Adapter Kit. At the same time, in the vastness of AliExpress you can find.
According to yablyk
Mains 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, as well as by bank transfer.
Those who travel to different countries are often faced with the incompatibility of plugs on electrical appliances with sockets. Therefore, more experienced tourists foresee such a situation in advance and put one or two adapters into a socket in their travel 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: the equipment brought from abroad does not want to be inserted into our socket. And the voltage is suitable, and everything else suits, but the pins on the plug are not the same or not so located. There are more than a dozen different standards for household sockets in the world, some of them are joined without anything, but basically adapters are needed for such cases. ANTEL has carefully studied this issue and produces adapters for sockets for almost all occasions.
A little help on the types of adapters to the socket:
- 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" - on the plug there are two round pins and a hole for grounding,
adapter type "F" - a common 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" - on the plug there are two round pins and a thick ground socket,
- three round thin pins in one line, used in Italy, etc.,
- two thick pins and the third central one is 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 to be compatible with 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 must enter the socket with force, sit tightly in the socket and be removed 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 the specialists for advice, you can find all the contact information on our page "".
