This article includes a list of countries and territories, with the plugs, voltages and frequencies they use for providing electrical power to small appliances and some major appliances. 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. This article lists wall socket, voltage and frequency commonly expected for many regions. In some areas, older standards may still exist, and physical compatibility of receptacles may not ensure compatibility of voltage and frequency. Foreign enclaves or buildings frequented by tourists may support sockets not otherwise used in a country, for the convenience of travelers.
Wall sockets
Plugs.
The lettering system used here is from a U.S. government document,[1] which defines the letter names and gives a (not always correct) list of what plug types are used where. Although useful for quick reference, the document is ambiguous in some areas. A plug and socket that are classified here under the same letter will usually mate, but there is no guarantee of this. In particular the letter C is used for plugs with two round pins and no earth but there are a number of standards that meet this description and not all are compatible. A more up-to-date and authoritative reference on plugs and sockets is IEC Technical Report 60083.[2]
A distinction should be made between the voltage at the point of supply (nominal system voltage) and the voltage rating of the equipment (utilization voltage). Typically the utilization voltage is 3 to 5% lower than the nominal system voltage; for example, a nominal 208 V supply system will be connected to motors with "200 V" on their nameplates. This allows for the voltage drop between equipment and supply. Voltages in this article are the nominal single-phase supply voltages and equipment used on these systems will carry slightly lower nameplate voltages. Three-phase and industrial loads will have other voltages. All voltages are root mean square 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.
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 400/230V[3] but is typically delivered at 380/220V.
As of 2000, the mains supply voltage specified in AS 60038 is 230 V with a tolerance of +10% -6%.[4] This was done for voltage harmonisation - however 240 V is within tolerance and is commonly found. 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 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.
A, B, C, I - Older C, NBR14136:2002 / IEC 60906-1 - Newer devices
127 V and 220 V
60 Hz
Type I is becoming common for 220 V outlets and appliances in 127 V areas. 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 A, B and C types are sometimes together (flat with rounder ends and ground pin) so that an A, B or C types can be used. Also note that by Jan 1st 2010, Brazil converted to the IEC 60906-1 international plug which looks similar to type J but is not compatible. Since then, all devices and new buildings must comply with the new standard.
Type G found primarily in better hotels. Also, many major hotels chains are said to have outlets that will take Type I plugs and perhaps other types. In 2012, the authority planned to add type A, as many machines are type A imported from Thailand.
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.[6] Low-voltage three phase is 208/120V and also 600/347V in larger buildings.
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. A second outlet only type I (Earthed) is next to the unearthed multi Type A\C\I outlet. Type A outlets only fit plugs with pins of the same width—a polarized Type A plug requires an adapter. NOTE: No matter the type of plug the socket will accept, voltage in China is always 220 volts. See photo at right.
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 E was added from July 2008.[7] Type F was added from November 2011.[8] Type C wall sockets are prohibited in houses build after April 1975.[9] All new sockets must be childproff.[10] 400V three-phase power is very common; The plugs/sockets used are either IEC 60309-2, or the Danish IP20 - mostly know as "komfurstik" or "380V-stik".
Type F ("Schuko", short for "Schutzkontakt") is standard. Type C Plugs are common, especially for low-power devices. Type C wall sockets are very uncommon, and exist only in very old installations.
C, F, (older)"Tripoliko" similar to type J and post-1989 type H
230 V (formerly 220 V)
50 Hz
Type F ("Schuko", Greek: Σούκο) is the de-facto standard for new installations' sockets. Type C 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.
G is used in almost all products, while M is (rarely) used when required current rating is between 13~15A. D is now obsolete in Hong Kong.
220 V
50 Hz
Largely based on UK system. 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 240 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.
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 (obsolete or specialist installations may be D and M (as in the UK) or F)
230 V (formerly 220 V)
50 Hz
G Sockets and plugs standard as defined by NSAI I.S. 401 (Plug) I.S. 411 (Socket outlet). Type F ("Side Earth") plugs occasionally seen in old installations probably because much of the early Irish electrical network was heavily influenced by Siemens. ' 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 a on-off switch on the socket. 110 V centre point earthed transformers are often used for industrial portable tools. 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 hotels 10A sockets are still common. Schuko sockets are unusual, but is adaptors rated up to 1500 Watt are widespread. C sockets are not used in modern installations. Italian wall-boxes are almost identical to American ones, but are usually horizontally mounted.
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.
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.[15]
No official standards there. However, in the Macao-HK Ferry Pier built by Portuguese Government before handover the standard was E & F. After handover, Macau adopted G in both government and private buildings. Before 1980s, 110 V was found in Macau but now obsolete.
A, C, G (but M for air conditioners and clothes dryers)
240 V (although officially ratified as 230 V)
50 Hz
The official mains power voltage is AC 230 V with the tolerance of +10%,-6%.[17] 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 90s, 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. 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 countryside, type A is also used, but rare.
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.
IT earthing system (most widespread)
TN earthing system (new installations)
TT earthing system (used in some installations in Bergen)
Sockets lacking earth are prohibited in new installations.
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 Plug / Socket are common for low-power devices. Type M Plug / Socket is common for air conditioners and high-power devices. Type G Plug / Socket is less common.
Most plugs and outlets are Type A, but some are C. Type B are commonly found in high powered appliances and computers. Some buildings have sockets that accepts Types A, B and C. Sockets and switches are built to USA dimensions and fit USA sized wall boxes.
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.[23] 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 230/400V. 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).[24][25]
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 both "live" poles of a 110 volt system (neutral is not used). 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"
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. Sockets and switches are built to USA dimensions and fit USA sized wall boxes. Different outlets (which can not accept Type A or Type B plugs) provide 220 V for air conditioners.
Although Thailand uses 220 V, type A- and type B-compatible plugs and sockets were originally adopted in Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) 166-2519 and 166-2535 in 1976 and 1992. However, type C plugs are also widely used, and a hybrid socket is almost universally found. Usually the socket is a combination of types B and C, although ungrounded type A/C hybrids are still commonly found in rural areas and older installations. Appliances with type F Schuko plugs are also common, although corresponding grounded outlets are not usually found. In 2004, TIS 166-2547 (and later, its subsequent version 166-2549) was adopted, stipulating a type C-compatible standard plug based on IEC 60906-1 but with the position of the ground pin following that of NEMA 5-15 (type B). the hybrid socket is accepted as standard, with plans to phase out support for type A and type B flat pins in the future.[28][29] Receptacles and switches for in-wall use are built to USA dimensions and fit USA standard type wall boxes.
G (D and M seen in very old installs and specialist applications)
230 V (formerly 240 V in mainland Britain and 220 V in Northern Ireland)
50 Hz
Voltage tolerance of 230 V +10%/−6% (216.2 V to 253 V), widened to 230 V ±10% (207 V to 253 V) in 2008. The system supply voltage remains centred on 240 V.[30] A "shaver socket" (similar to Type C) is sometimes found in bathrooms that will provide low current to some other plug types. These sometimes have a ~110 V socket and a ~240 V socket in the same unit, or a switch to select voltage for a single socket. The G type socket usually has an on-off switch. IEC 60309 plugs and connectors are used in industrial and construction locations as well as for outdoor use in domestic and other business premises. Plug types D and M were used until the 1960s and are still in preferred use for theatre and TV stage lighting applications due to lack of internal fuse. Commonwealth countries uses the same system.
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 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 USA 2 pin)B (NEMA 5-15 USA 3 pin)C (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 (French)F (CEE 7/4 "Schuko")E+F (CEE 7/7)G Type (UK)H (SI 32 Israel)I (AS-3112 Argentina / Australia / New Zealand)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 / Maldives / Syria)M (15 A version of Type D BS546)
^IEC/TR 60083: Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in member countries of IEC. International Electrotechnical Commission, May 2004. This 359-page technical report describes all national standards for domestic plugs and sockets. Its 1963 predecessor, CEE Publication 7, covered only the plugs and sockets of continental Europe.
^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
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