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This article includes a list of countries and territories, with the ]s, ]s and ] they use for providing electrical power to ]s and some ]s. Every country has differing rules regarding distribution of electricity for portable appliances and lighting. Voltage, frequency, and wall socket type vary widely, but large regions may use common standards. Physical compatibility of receptacles may not ensure compatibility of voltage, frequency, or connection to earth ground.
This article lists current wall socket, voltage and frequency commonly expected for many regions. In some areas, older standards may still exist. Foreign enclaves or buildings frequented by tourists may support sockets not otherwise used in a country, for the convenience of travellers.
==Wall sockets==
{{main|AC power plugs and sockets}}
]
The lettering system used here is from an ] Web page.<ref> Retrieved on 2013-02-05.</ref> which defines the letter names and gives a (not always correct) list of what plug types are used where. Although useful for quick reference, especially for travellers, the Web site is ambiguous in some areas.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} Since the Web page does not reference national technical standards that define the dimensions and tolerances of devices, a plug and socket that are classified there under the same letter will usually mate, but there is no guarantee of this.
The IEC publishes IEC Technical Report 60083 which lists standards used by IEC member countries.<ref>IEC/TR 60083 ed6.0: Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in member countries of IEC. ], February 2009. This 384-page ] describes all national standards for domestic plugs and sockets. The first edition was published in January 1957 The 7th edition was approved in December 2012 and awaits publication as at February 2013.</ref>
The ] published an earlier guide,<ref name=ECA/> which is now obsolescent and which has some known inaccuracies, see ''History of similar guides'' section below.
Multi-standard sockets are sometimes used in China and some other Asian countries; these are intended to accommodate plugs conforming to various different standards. They do not normally have earthing (grounding) connections for either CEE 7/4 "Schuko" or CEE 7/5 (French). In multi-standard sockets, the aperture size for NEMA plugs is often the same for both Line (Hot) and Neutral, which allows a polarized plug to be inserted in either orientation thus defeating the safety feature. Also, in a socket designed to accept both NEMA and BS 1363 plugs, the polarization can only be correct for one type of plug, so only appliances which do not require specific polarization should be connected.<ref>{{Citation | place = UK | url = http://www.esc.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/industry/Switched_On/SwitchedOn-29_web.pdf | title = Universal socket-outlets – friend or foe? | journal = SwitchedOn issue 29| publisher = Electrical Safety Council | year = 2013}}</ref> Multi-standard sockets are illegal in some countries such as the UK, and have been classified as a serious safety risk.<ref>{{Citation | place = EU | url = http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/alerts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOverview&web_report_id=520| title = Weekly overview report of RAPEX notifications Report 5 | publisher = European Commission | year = 2013}}</ref>
Adapters that allow insertion of otherwise mechanically incompatible plugs into sockets are useful for travelers, but, as with multi-standard sockets, may not provide the grounding and polarization intended by a compatible system of plugs and sockets.
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==Plugs and power cords==
Plugs and ]s have a rated voltage and rated current assigned to them by the manufacturer, and these values are required to be marked on the plug. For a plug, the values are normally those specified in the relevant standard sheet. The international preferred rating for household plugs and sockets is either 130 V or 250 V, these are the values for normal use, and at which they are tested. (Plugs and power cords are also required to be tested at higher voltage for a brief period of 1 minute to test their electrical strength in case of fault conditions.)<ref>{{Citation | type = standard | url = http://webstore.iec.ch/webstore/webstore.nsf/Artnum_PK/47545 | publisher = IEC | title = IEC 60884-1 Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes – Part 1: General requirements | place = Geneva, Switzerland}}</ref> The NEMA 1–15 U.S. 2 pin (Type A) and NEMA 5–15 U.S. 3 pin (Type B) plugs are rated at 125 V .<ref name=NEMA>{{Citation | type = standard | url = http://www.nema.org/stds/wd6.cfm | publisher = NEMA | title = WD6, Dimensional requirements for plugs and receptacles | place = ]}}</ref> Travelers from countries which use mains voltages below 130 V, such as North America and Japan etc, should note that in counties which use the higher mains voltages in the range 220 – 250 V the plugs are rated at 250 V.<ref>{{Citation | type = standard | url = http://webstore.iec.ch/webstore/webstore.nsf/Artnum_PK/42642| publisher = IEC | title = IEC/TR 60083 Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in member countries of IEC| place = Geneva, Switzerland}}</ref> Travellers should ensure that they always use appliances, plugs and power cords which are appropriate for the territory they are in.
Sockets connected to mains voltages above 125 V and which accept Type A or B plugs may be suitable for plug-top chargers and power supplies with Type A pins, providing they have a suitable voltage rating.
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editors:
PLEASE do not indicate that Type A and/or Type B sockets (which are rated at 125 V) are used in territories having only mains voltage greater than 125 V.
Voltages in this article are the nominal single-phase supply voltages. Three-phase and industrial loads will have other voltages.
All voltages are ] voltage; the peak AC voltage is greater by a factor of √2, and the peak to peak voltage greater by a factor of 2√2.
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==History of similar guides==
In 1948 the US Government Printing Office published ''World electrical current characteristics''.<ref>. Retrieved on 2013-12-14.</ref> This contained information on voltages used in the cities of many countries, but no information on plugs. The guide was republished by the US Department of commerce in 1954 as ''Electric Current Abroad''. This was updated from time to time and the 1967 version includes some information on plugs,<ref>. Retrieved on 2013-12-14.</ref> however only 3 types were designated: Type A, illustrated by a US style 2 pin plug, Type B, illustrated by a sketch of a BS 546 type, and Type C, illustrated by a sketch of a BS 1363 type. The 1984 edition<ref>. Retrieved on 2013-12-14.</ref> uses the letters A to G in the same manner as they are used today. The last printed edition (listing plugs from A to H) was that of 1998, reprinted in 2002,<ref name="ECA">{{cite web | title = Electric Current Abroad | url = http://www.trade.gov/publications/abstracts/electric-current-abroad-2002.asp | publisher = U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration | format = PDF | year = 2002}}</ref> it includes brief textual descriptions of each type illustrated by a sketch, only Type F (described as a ]) is specifically linked to an a generally recognized type. The International Trade Administration of the US Department of Commerce now publishes a web version: which still does not include the full list of plug types, it does not describe Type M or type N. There are sketches and photographs of each type, but no textual description or references to actual standards. Examples of errors in this website include the failure to mention that Brazil uses Type N, although that has been the national standard in that country since 1998; stating that the UK uses type C, which is not permitted there; and claiming that China uses Type H (the Israeli plug) when the main Chinese plug is actually type I.
More recently, the ] published on the web, this includes some history, a description of plug types, and a list of countries giving the type(s) used and the mains voltage and frequency. The descriptions are more detailed than those contained in Electric Current Worldwide. Type A makes specific reference to American and Japanese plugs, as does Type B which is also specifically rated at 15 A. Type C is specifically identified as the Europlug and there is a list of sockets compatible with Type C plugs (note, the Europlug is designed to work with other sockets, there is no type C socket as such). Type D is specifically rated at 5 A. Type E (grounding pin in socket) and Type F (grounding clips on both sides) are specifically rated at 16 A and defined as having 4.8 mm pins on 19 mm centres. Type G is identified as the fused British plug. The Type H plug is described as unique to Israel. Type I (Australian) is described as having both 10 A and 15 A ratings. Type J (Swiss) is rated at 10 A and is differentiated from Type N. The Type K rating is not shown. The Type L (Italian) description includes both ratings and pin sizes. Type M is described as looking similar to Type D, but with much larger pins. The Type N description is of the two variations of Brazilian plug and socket (Brazilian national standard NBR 14136), however, the original plug and socket is defined in ] and has been adopted as a South African national Standard (SANS 164-2), the Brazilian version is non-compliant with the IEC standard.
==Table of mains voltages and frequencies==
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editors:
PLEASE do not indicate that Type A and/or Type B sockets (which are rated at 125 V) are used in territories having only mains voltage greater than 125 V.
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''Note: The table can be sorted using the ] icon. A key to reference letters to socket types can be found on ].''
Socket types F and L are the norm. The type L sockets typically accept both large (16A) and small (10A) plugs. Both F and L sockets accept type C plugs (Europlug). Voltage has been harmonized to the EU standard of 230V but is typically delivered at 220V.
As of 2000, the mains supply voltage specified in AS 60038 is 230 V with a tolerance of +10% -6%. This was done for voltage harmonization – however 240 V (and less commonly 250 V) is within tolerance and is commonly supplied. Mains voltage is still popularly referred to as being "two-forty volts". Bathrooms in hotels will often have a type I, C and A socket marked "for shavers only" as pictured on the right.
Type G are the main type of electrical wall sockets installation. Electrical equipment, however, with varying socket types are available in the market.
Type C plugs are very common with audio/video equipment. Plugged into Type G outlets using widely available adapters or forced in by pushing down the shutter. The latter is widely practised, although hazardous.
Dual-voltage wiring is rather common for high-powered appliances, such as clothes dryers and electric showers which tend to be 220 V even in 127 V areas. Depending on the area, the exact voltage might be 115 V, 127 V, or 220 V. The Brazilian standard NBR 14136 (similar to IEC 60906-1-1) was first introduced in July 1998, revised November 2002. Since Jan 1st 2010 all devices and new buildings must comply with NBR 14136. In older buildings, the types A, B, C, I can still be found, but are no longer manufactured or sold in Brazil.
Smaller buildings (like houses) are supplied with 240/120V split-phase with 240V being used for large loads and 120V for all else. Type A outlets are for repairs only (houses from the 1950s and prior that have no ground conductor), type B are required for new construction and renovation. A 20-Amp type B but with a T-slot can be used in kitchens in new construction.
Most wall outlets simultaneously support Types A and I. Some outlets support Type C as well (the holes in the outlets are flat in the middle and round on the sides) so that either a Type A, a Type C or a Type I (Unearthed) plug can be used. (See photo at right.) A second outlet only type I (Earthed) is next to the unearthed multi Type A\C\I outlet. NOTE: No matter the type of plug the socket will accept, voltage in China is always 220 volts, DO NOT use power cords with type A plugs rated at 125 V only!
High-power air conditioners, restaurant equipment, cookstoves and ovens use 240 volt supplies. Wiring conventions, practices and standards follow the Colombian Electrical Code (Código Eléctrico Colombiano), which is similar to the USA National Electric Code.
Type E sockets are standard, earthed appliances ship with an E+F plug. Type C Plugs are common, especially for low-power devices. Type C wall sockets (actually E without the grounded pin and with narrower holes) are very uncommon, and exist only in very old installations.
Type K is mostly used, type C in older buildings. Type E was added from July 2008. Type F was added from November 2011. Type C wall sockets are prohibited in houses built after April 1975. All new sockets must be childproof. Formerly 220V.
Type C (round) replaced with Type E; flat Type C remain in use, but wall sockets are not produced; all devices since early 1990's sold with E+F plug (fits both French E and German F types)
Type F; Type C (CEE 7–16 plugs and sockets, and CEE 7–17 plugs) are in use, too, but wall sockets are not produced (Type C plugs fit in Type F sockets). Many devices since early 1990's sold with E+F plug (fits both French E and German F types); Type C (the flat CEE 7–17) wall sockets are extremely uncommon, and exist only in very old installations.
Type F ("Schuko", Template:Lang-el) is the de facto standard for new installations' sockets. Type C and "Tripoliko" (similar to type J and post-1989 type H) sockets exist only in old installations. Light appliances use type C plug while more electricity-consuming ones use type E&F or F plugs. Corfu still only uses C 220 V at 50 Hz. Formerly 220 V.
Largely based on UK system. G is used in almost all products, while M is (rarely) used when required current rating is between 13~15A. Occasionally, a 'shaver' socket (similar to Type C) is found in some bathrooms that provides low current to some other plug types. These almost always have a 110 V socket and a 220 V socket in the same unit, or a switch to select voltage, which are sometimes labelled as 110 V and 220 V. This duo installation is not as common in HK as in the UK. There was a smaller 2 A version of type D, now obsolete.
Residential power supplied in India is two wire 220 volts, permitted variation 6%, and maximum load 40 amperes. Frequency 50 Hz. Many power outlets are universal and accept many plugs without adapter. A combination receptacle for types C, D and M is usually present.
Standardized at 230 V (+5%/-10%). Voltage sometimes still popularly referred to as 220 V, although the harmonization was completed in 1998. Type G is less common.
Type C wall sockets are less common, and exist only in older installations. Type F is used for new installations. Type C Plugs are common for low-power devices.
G Sockets and plugs standard as defined by NSAI I.S. 401 (Plug) I.S. 411 (Socket outlet). Obsolete or specialist installations may be D and M (as in the UK). Type F ("Side Earth") plugs occasionally seen in old installations probably because much of the early Irish electrical network was heavily influenced by Siemens. Formerly 220 V. ' A 'shaver' socket (similar to Type C) is sometimes found in bathrooms that will provide low current to some other plug types. These almost always have a 110 V socket and a 230 V socket in the same unit, or a switch to select voltage, which are sometimes labelled as 115 V and 230 V. The G type socket often has an on-off switch on the socket. Type M plugs are permitted for applications where the power draw does not exceed 5 Amps; this power limitation allows type M sockets to be powered from domestic 10 Amp circuits and to be controlled by domestic lighting switches.
The standard for H plugs and sockets was recently modified to use round pins, so most modern sockets accept both type C and type H plugs. Type M sockets are used for air conditioners. Identical plugs and sockets also used in the Palestinian National Authority areas.
Common sockets have 8-shaped holes to accept both 16A and 10A version of the L plug, but in hotel rooms 10A sockets are still common. Schuko sockets are unusual, but adaptors rated up to 1500 Watt are widespread. C unearthed sockets are not used in modern installations and are very difficult to find for replacement, so there are some old installations with earthed sockets unconnected to an earthing system. Italian wall-boxes are similar to American ones, but are usually horizontally mounted, in old installation round pattrress are common. Formerly 220 V.
East Japan 50 Hz (Tokyo, Kawasaki, Sapporo, Yokohama, and Sendai); West Japan 60 Hz (Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, Hiroshima). Older buildings have nonpolarized sockets, in which case American polarized plugs (one prong wider than the other) would not fit. Many buildings do not have the ground pin. Sockets and switches fit in American-sized standard boxes. 120V in military facilities in Okinawa.
Previously 60 Hz, now officially 50 Hz. Many private power plants are still 60 Hz. A & B are used for 110 V; C & F are used for 230/240 V. Much of the centralized power system was destroyed during the civil wars starting in 1990, and public power supplies are still limited. Local supplies may vary and may not match the usual voltage for a particular wall socket.
No official standards there. However, in the Macau-Hong Kong Ferry Pier built by the Portuguese Macau government before handover the standard was E & F. After the handover, Macau adopted G in both government and private buildings. F is uncommon.
The official mains power voltage is AC 230 V with the tolerance of +10%,-6%. However, the supplied voltage remains at 240 V, as the supplied voltage is within the allowed tolerance. Areas that rely on private power companies, like some parts of Penang and Kedah, receive a true 230 V supply. Remote villages which rely on off-grid localized diesel generators (i.e. small villages and/or isolated holiday resorts on islands too far away from the mainland to have viable underwater cabling) may receive unstable power with higher voltages, with some areas recorded to be as high as 260 V. Type C plugs are very common with audio/video equipment. Plugged into Type G outlets using widely available adapters or forced in by pushing down the shutter. The latter is widely practised, although hazardous. Since the late 1990s, dedicated Type C sockets can also be found on some power strips sold in the country for convenience given the wide proliferation of devices with Type C plugs. Type C sockets can also be found on dedicated shaver sockets in bathrooms of many hotels. Said sockets also include a Type A connector that delivers 110v of power for the convenience of tourists. Type M sockets are normally used for air conditioning (especially if the air conditioner requires a magnetic starter), heavy industrial equipment, spotlights, and less commonly, washers and clothes driers. This is because most modern washers sold in the country are also fitted with Type G plugs and are two-in-one compact units which uses the same tub for washing and drying. In the countryside, type A is also used, but rare and considered non-standard.
Type B is becoming more common. Voltage can legally vary by +/- 10% (giving a range of 114 to 140 volts). Split phase is commonly available and local electricians are apt to wire both to a type A/B socket to give 240 V for air conditioning or washing machine/dryers.
Official standard is 230 V / 50 Hz. Voltage tolerance is 230 V ±5% (218 V to 242 V). Frequency tolerance 50 Hz ±2% (49 Hz to 51 Hz) But Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) is 240 V / 50 Hz. Type C and D are common for low-power devices. Type M is common for air conditioners and high-power devices. Type G Socket is less common.
Type A outlets are very common, especially in old houses. But modern buildings now use Type B outlets. However, Type A and Type B plugs that are only rated at 125V should not be used on 220V systems.
Type C (round) replaced with Type E; flat Type C remain in use, but wall sockets are not produced; all devices since early 1990's sold with E+F plug (fits both French E and German F types)
(US Territories, American standardized at 120 V. Electricity suppliers aim to keep most customers supplied between 114 and 126 V most of the time. 240 V/60 Hz used for large appliances. Large residential buildings frequently have 120/208V 3-phase power, with large appliances being connected between two of the phases, giving a voltage of 208 volts. Since 1962, Type B outlets are required by code in new construction and renovation. A T-slot Type B is rated for 20 amperes for use in kitchens or other areas using large 120 V appliances.
USSR (along with much of Eastern Europe) used type GOST sockets with 4.0 mm pins similar to West European C type plugs and the 4.8mm standard used by West European type E/F Plugs. The former Soviet sockets could be seen mainly in old houses and in countryside. Obsolete standard 127 V/50 Hz AC is used in some remote villages. Elsewhere it was replaced in 1970s by the 220 V standard.
Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the world that still uses a dual-voltage system in different parts of the country. In an attempt to unify the low voltage system in the Kingdom, a decision was made by the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia in August 2010 to standardize the low voltage system as 230 V. The decision took immediate effect for new subscribers and will be implemented in existing facilities in two phases over 25 years (10-year preparatory phase and 15-year executive phase).
This is special case. Normal line voltage is 220V 60 Hz. In some parts of the country you will find 110V 60 Hz although most will be 220V 60 Hz. Type F is normally found in offices, airports, hotels and homes. Type C (type CEE 7/17) sockets are obsolete and manufacture was discontinued as of 2008, but examples are still found in a lot of places. In cases where a Type C socket was replaced with a Type F, the ground contact is often not connected to anything. 220 volt power is distributed by using one live pole of a three-phase 380 volt system. 110 V/60 Hz power with plugs A & B were previously used but has already been phased out. Some residents install their own step-down transformers and dedicated circuits, so that they can use 110 V appliances imported from Japan or North America. Most hotels only have 220 V outlets, but some hotels offer both 110 V (Type A or B) and 220 V (Type C or F) outlets. Switches and outlets fit American-sized boxes.
Non-grounded sockets are prohibited in new installations. 400 V for some washing machines and other fixed installations. In bathroom etc. 110–115 socket can be found and used for shavers and other "bathroom tools". Formerly 220 V.
In newer buildings and installation you will find only type J sockets (almost always recessed, mandatory after 2016: SEV 1011 Type 13), which accept type C plugs. Relatively often, you will still find non-recessed sockets that are compatible with type J, which also accept the Europlug, but not plugs of type E, F, or E&F, since their pins are too thick (4.8mm). In some very old installations, sockets that are compatible with type E plugs are found. These non-recessed sockets will sometimes physically also accept plugs of type E, F, and E&F, but grounding will not be effective. Since 1 January 2013, it is only allowed to import or sell electronic devices with plugs with partly insulated pins, such as type C (CEE 7/16, SEV 1011 type 11) and type J (SEV 1011 type 12).
All outlets are Type A or Type B. When an outlet is Type B, the ground (earth) holes of the outlets are usually not connected to anything. Most appliances have Type A plugs, but computers and high-power appliances have Type B plugs. The ground prongs on Type B plugs are often cut off to make the plugs fit into Type A sockets. Different outlets (which can not accept Type A or Type B plugs) provide 220 V for air conditioners.
In newer buildings and installation you will find only TIS116-2549 sockets, which accept type A and B and C plugs. Relatively often, you will still find type A/C hybrid sockets that are compatible with TIS116-2549, which also accept the Europlug, but not plugs of type E, F, or E&F, since their pins are too thick (4.8mm). In some very old installations, sockets that are compatible with type A/C hybrid plugs are found. These non-grounded sockets will sometimes physically also accept plugs of type E, F, and E&F, but grounding will not be effective. Since 2008, it is only allowed to import or sell electronic devices with plugs type C (CEE 7/16) and A, B (IEC 60906-2/TIS166-2519/TIS166-2535) and TIS116-2549. However, Type A and Type B plugs that are only rated at 125V should not be used on 220V systems.
The voltage and frequency for consumer supply in the UK is mandated in Regulation 27 of the The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002. The Wiring Regulations, BS 7671, require the use of BS 1363 sockets (Type G). which often have an on-off switch for each outlet. A "shaver unit" with isolation transformer accepting the UK shaver plug (BS 4573) and Europlug (and sometimes an Australian plug) is often found in bathrooms for the connection of shavers and toothbrushes only. The shaver unit may also have a type A 115 V socket. IEC 60309 plugs and connectors are used in industrial and construction locations as well as for outdoor use. Plug types D and M were phased out of general use following the introduction of BS 1363 in 1947, they are still found in specialist applications but are unlikely to be encountered by visitors.
Standardized at 120 V. Electricity suppliers aim to keep most customers supplied between 114 and 126 V most of the time. 240 V/60 Hz used for large appliances. Large residential buildings frequently have 120/208V 3-phase power, with large appliances being connected between two of the phases, giving a voltage of 208 volts. Since 1962, Type B outlets are required by code in new construction and renovation. A T-slot Type B is rated for 20 amperes for use in kitchens or other areas using large 120 V appliances.
Type L is the most common in modern homes and type F is the second as a result of computer use. Neutral and live wires are reversed, as in Argentina. Type I is only found in very old installations.
Type C&F sockets are the official standard, but many hotels uses different types (combined "A-C-I" Chinese socket, French "E" sockets and English "G" socket.)
Type A is the norm in Southern Vietnam and Type C is the norm in Northern Vietnam (according to the pre-unification border at 17 degrees North). Type G is found only in some new luxury hotels, primarily those built by Singaporean and Hong Kong developers. But Type G is never found in homes, shops, or offices.
A (NEMA 1–15 U.S. 2 pin) rated 125V ACB (NEMA 5–15 U.S. 3 pin) rated 125V AC Standardized by IEC as IEC 60906-2C (CEE 7/16 Europlug)C (CEE 7/17 Euro 2 pin)D (BS546 5 A version of Type M. A smaller 2 A version also available)E (CEE 7/5 French)F (CEE 7/4 "Schuko")E+F (CEE 7/7)G (BS1363 UK)H (SI 32 Israel)I (AS-3112 Argentina / Australia / New Zealand).Australian and New Zealand plugs are always switched at the socket.I, plus sockets for A, C and I (China)File:J plug.jpgJ (SEV-1011 Switzerland)K (SRAF 1962/DB Denmark)L (CEI 23-16 Albania / Canary Islands / Chile / Ethiopia / Italy / Libya / Syria)M (15 A version of Type D BS546)N (Brazilian NBR 14136)
Rick Gilmour et al., editor, Canadian Electrical Code Part I, Twentieth Edition, C22.1-06 Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, Canadian Standards Association, Toronto, Ontario Canada (2002) ISBN 1-55436-023-4, diagram 1 and rule 26–700
