Try to imagine homo modernus without mobile phones, cameras, laptops, navigation systems and other gadgets? The answer is simple: it is impossible. Well, all these benefits of civilization cannot exist without “food”; they need recharging.
Therefore, 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 heading.
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, you’ll burn your device.
Let's try to understand the intricacies of electrical engineering.
Voltage and frequency
By 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, North, Central and, partially, countries South America, Japan, etc.
However, 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 Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, in the Maldives.
Therefore, before you set off, collect as much information as possible about 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 don’t be alarmed, there is no need to deal with everyone and look for an adapter for each one.
You need to remember (save, sketch, photograph) the 13 most used types of sockets that indicate with Latin letters A to M:
Type A - American electrical socket and plug: two flat parallel contacts. 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. Typically 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 socket in Europe, excluding England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Used where the voltage is 220V.
Type D is the 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 is a plug with two round pins and a hole for the grounding pin, which is located in the socket of the socket. This type is now almost universally used in Poland, France and Belgium.
Type F - The standard is similar to Type E, but instead of a round ground pin there are two metal clamps on both sides of the connector. You will find such sockets in Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway, and Sweden.
Type G - British socket with three flat contacts. Used in England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Note. This type of outlet 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 check the condition of the fuse in the outlet.
Type H - has three flat contacts or, in an earlier version, round contacts arranged in a V shape. Used only in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Not compatible with any other plug, designed for voltage values of 220 V and current up to 16 A.
Type I - Australian socket: two flat contacts, as in a socket American type Ah, but they are located at an angle to each other - in the shape of the letter V. There is also a version with a grounding contact. Used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina.
Type J - Swiss plug and socket. It is similar to a Type C plug, but has an additional grounding pin in the middle and two round contact nutrition. Used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Maldives.
Type K is a Danish socket and plug, similar to the European Type C, but with a ground pin 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 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 devices with a current of up to 15 A. Used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.
A few words about various types of adapters.
The easiest way to be ready to put the plug into the socket is to purchase an adapter, converter or transformer in advance (it depends on what your needs are). In most hotels, if you contact them, they will select the device you need at the reception.
Adapters - combine your plug with someone else's socket without affecting the voltage, the most versatile device.
Converters - provide conversion of local power grid parameters, but for a short time, up to 2 hours. Suitable for small (camping) household appliances: hair dryer, razor, kettle, iron. Convenient on the road due to its small size and weight.
Transformers are more powerful, larger and more expensive voltage converters designed for continuous operation. Used for complex electrical appliances: computers, televisions, etc.
And at the end there is an easy life hack on how to use it English socket without adapter
Happy travels!
Sources: wikimedia.org, travel.ru, enovator.ru, personal experience.
Dear students! I have long wanted to write about one little thing, but very important when traveling to Ireland to study. As you might have guessed from the title of the article, we will talk about electrical outlets in Ireland. This element is of utmost importance in modern world all kinds of electronic gadgets. Especially considering the ever-increasing productivity of our devices with a proportional increase in appetite for electricity consumption. And with an eye on the flight time to Ireland from countries of Eastern Europe, especially in light of possible transfers with a wait of several hours, the issue of recharging smartphones, tablets and laptops becomes more relevant than ever. And if at transfer airports you will most likely find European-type sockets (unless you are flying through London), then upon arrival in Ireland you will immediately be faced with the need to look for an adapter to connect your wearable device.
In Ireland, they use sockets that are classified according to connection type G. Such sockets have the main difference from the European plugs we use in the form of the presence of a third contact. In terms of current frequency and other indicators, electrical sockets in Ireland are no different from those in other countries former Union- the same 230 volts (220 volt devices work here without problems) and a current frequency of 50 hertz. Therefore, before traveling to Ireland to study English courses, I advise you to purchase an adapter in advance. And you can connect a small tee extension cord to this adapter to ensure simultaneous charging of your phone, laptop and MP3 player.
We purchase a lot of electrical household appliances of varying power, made in EU countries, whose power cords end with European-type electrical plugs. It is known that they differ not only in the diameter of the metal part from our domestic ones, but also in their shape, greater potential power and the presence of one or two grounding 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 past times, so we’ll start with them short review European-type electrical plugs from them.
One of the most common plug designs in the USSR, designed for 220V, 6A
This type, called Soviet C1/B, is still produced in our homeland and in terms of its qualities it can be equated to the European type CEE 7/16 Europlug. Electrical 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 grounding terminals, but they have 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 without 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 pins with a diameter of 4 mm and is widely used in European countries, except for England, Ireland and Malta, it belongs to the CEE 7/16 Europlug class. Used when operating household electrical appliances low power, without grounding contacts and is designed for current up to 2.5 A at a voltage of 1100 - 220 V. Compatible with classes 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
And here French type The electric plug has metal pins already with a diameter of 4.8 mm and one grounding contact. Widely used in France, Poland and Belgium. Used for medium-power appliances 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 of type C, E, F, but with Soviet type C1 /B are incompatible and can only be used with an adapter.
For electrical appliances of medium and high power consumption, the European German type of plugs “Schuko” CEE 7/4 is used, which is widespread in Germany, Sweden, Norway and Holland.
CEE 7/4 Schuko plug and Schuko socket
Designed for a current of 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 Suitable for French type E CEE 7/5 plugs.
There is also a hybrid type of E/F electrical plugs - CTT 7|7, which combines German and French quality. Very common in European Union countries when using medium and high power consumption devices. They have a grounding contact and are suitable for sockets of type C, E and F with a metal pin diameter of 4.8 mm.
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 different types of electrical outlets 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 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 various countries peace
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 actively distributed, they are used alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 127 V.
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 of electrical equipment and devices in practice provide replacement cords for their devices. different kinds and countries.
Electrical sockets and plugs have evolved, including due to stricter 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 connector types are already obsolete. This is how the American Type I, the Soviet Type I, the old Spanish sockets, and plugs with cut plugs went 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).
It turns out interesting when connecting electric stoves - the maximum power can reach 10 kW. Various countries have introduced rules and regulations to use a separate type of electrical outlet 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.
There are 12 types of electrical plugs and sockets in the world.
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 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.
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.
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 forks 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 one English standard Mainly supported 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: 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. It is necessary because British standards allow higher current levels in household electrical circuits. 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.
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.
