Types of plugs and sockets in different countries. North and South America

When it comes to electricity, globalization can be forgotten. Even in the European Union, where there is one currency, there are different electrical outlets. Therefore, when going abroad, you have to replenish your luggage with an adapter or look for it upon arrival. The reason for this is the historical factor.

In the era of electrification, inventors from different countries offered their own versions of optimal sockets; Different types of power generators were built all over the world. And national companies involved in the installation of electrical networks supplied their devices suitable for these networks. Accordingly, different types of plug connectors and sockets were introduced and their own networks were designed. The developments of other countries were completely ignored.
Influenced the development of sockets and the availability of materials. For example, during World War II, Britain came up with a three-prong plug with a short copper fuse. This design made it possible to save copper reserves for military needs.
Now, according to one classification, there are 12 types of sockets, according to another - 15. Moreover, sockets of one type sometimes accept plugs of another. However, if you find out that the country you are going to has the same type of socket as at home, don’t rush to rejoice! This solves only half the problem. Voltage and frequency may vary in different parts of the world.

Classification of types of sockets and plugs in different countries of the world

The two most common standards are: European - 220–240 V at a frequency of 50 Hz and American - 100–127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. You should not check what will happen if an electrical appliance operating on 100–127 V is plugged into an outlet with 220–240 V.
In some countries you should keep your ears open. For example, in most parts of Brazil, 127 V is used, but in the north of the country 220 V is found. And in Japan, the voltage is the same everywhere - 110 V, but the frequency is different: in the east 50 Hz is used, in the west - 60 Hz. The reason is simple: first, German-made generators with a frequency of 50 Hz were purchased for Tokyo, and soon after that American ones with a frequency of 60 Hz were supplied to Osaka.
Perhaps someday a single standard will be adopted. A universal socket for all types of plugs has already been developed. But for now it’s up to everyone to install it or not. In addition, we first need to come to a unified voltage standard. And this comes down to huge financial costs for the refurbishment and re-equipment of transformer substations, replacement of sockets and plugs.
* Voltage 100–127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz is used by the USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, partially Brazil and other countries.
* Voltage 220-240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz is used in most other countries, but even with the same parameters, the type of sockets can vary greatly.

Here is a brief description of some of them: Types A and B - American socket

Type B differs from A by the presence of a third hole - it is intended for a grounding pin. Such sockets, as you can guess from the name, were invented in the USA and are widespread in North, Central and partly South America, as well as Japan and some other countries.

Types C and F - European socket

Just like A and B, types C and F differ from each other only in the presence of grounding - F has it. 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 - British socket

In the UK, the socket has three flat holes, and this design appeared for a reason. The fact is that during World War II the country experienced a copper shortage. Therefore, a plug with a short copper fuse and three pins was developed. In addition to Great Britain, the same socket is used in Cyprus, Malta, Singapore and other countries that were influenced by the British Empire.

Type I - Australian socket

This type of socket can be found not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Guinea, Samoa and sometimes in China, where types A and C are also common.

Type H - Israeli socket

Type H is used only in Israel and Palestine, and the pins of the plug can be either round or flat - this depends on when the device was manufactured. The old equipment had a flat socket shape, but new sockets are suitable for two options.

Type K - Danish socket

This outlet can easily claim the title of “friendliest” in the world - its design resembles a smiling face. In addition to Denmark and Greenland, which is part of it, type K is used in Bangladesh and the Maldives - however, several types of sockets are common there.

Fortunately, all these differences won't ruin your vacation or business trip - you just need to purchase a suitable adapter in advance.

Universal adapter

Map showing the distribution of different types of sockets used around the world.

A world map shows the distribution of different types of sockets in use around the world. Countries using Types A and B are highlighted in red, countries using Types C and E/F are dark blue (which are 100% compatible with each other), countries using Type D are highlighted in brown, British Type G is in aqua, Israeli Types C and H are in pink. , yellow highlights countries using Australian type I, black countries use C and J, gray types C and K, orange types C and L, purple in South African countries use type M, pale blue countries use type N, and dark green Thailand Types C and O. Please note that this simplified overview only shows the most common plug type, and sometimes several systems in the same country.

A complete overview of all countries in the world and their respective plugs/sockets and voltages/frequencies used for home appliances. The table shows that most countries have electricity supplies between 220 and 240 volts (50 or 60 Hz), far superior to countries operating at 100 to 127 volts. The list also shows that types A and C are the most commonly used electrical plugs around the world.
Most countries have a clearly defined plug and voltage standard. However, many Latin American, African and Asian countries use a motley collection of often incompatible plugs, and sometimes the voltage differs from region to region. This situation makes it difficult for travelers to assess which adapter or transformer connector is needed for a trip. In this case, when the electricity situation in a country requires additional information, the name of the country in question is highlighted in red.

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 from country to country. 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 a British colony until 1947, adopted its standard. The old standard can still be found in some hotels in the UK. Type D.

The image shows the types of electrical outlets in different countries around the world

Although polarity is not important for single-phase current connections, Type A and Type B sockets are polarized. This manifests itself in the fact that the plugs have different thicknesses - the position of the plug is important. In addition, in the USA, where they are widely used, alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 127 V is used.

Development of different types of sockets and plugs

The widespread use of electricity in everyday life required the introduction of standards in the field of connecting electrical appliances. This would make electricity safer, devices more reliable and more versatile.

And many manufacturers of electrical equipment and devices in practice provide replacement cords for their devices for different types and countries.

Electrical sockets and plugs have evolved, including due to stricter safety requirements. So from Type D 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.

List of plug standards

List of plug standards

The two most common standards in the world are voltage and frequency. One of them is the American standard 110-127 Volt 60 Hertz, together with plugs A and B. The other standard is the European standard, 220-240 Volt 50 Hertz, plugs types C - M.

Most countries have adopted one of these two standards, although transitional or unique standards are sometimes found. On the map we can see in which countries certain standards are used.

Voltage/Frequency.

Types of forks.

Types currently in use

Electrical plugs and sockets vary from country to country in shape, size, maximum current rating, and other features. The type used in each country is fixed by law by the adoption of national standards. In this article, each type is designated by a letter from a US government publication.

Type A

Non-polarized Type A plug

NEMA 1-15 (North American 15 A/125 V, ungrounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 1-15

Unusual American 5-socket Type A block, circa 1928

This type of plug and receptacle, with two flat parallel non-coplanar (not in the plane of the plug body) blades and slots, is used in most North American countries and on the east coast of South America, with devices that do not require grounding, such as lamps and small devices with double isolation. This type is accepted by 38 countries outside North America and standardized in the United States by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). NEMA 1-15 receptacles have been banned in new buildings in the United States and Canada since 1962, but remain in many older homes and still being sold for repairs. Type A plugs are still very common because they are compatible with Type B sockets.

Originally, the pins of the plug and the slot of the socket were the same height, and the plug could be inserted into the socket in any orientation. Modern plugs and sockets are polarized with a wider neutral contact so that the plug can only be inserted the correct way. Polarized Type A plugs will not fit into non-polarized Type A receptacles because both slots in the receptacle are equally narrow. However, both non-polarized and polarized Type A plugs fit into a polarized Type A receptacle and a Type B receptacle. Some devices that do not care about the location of the live and neutral wires, such as sealed power supplies, are still manufactured with non-polarized Type A plugs (both blades are narrow ).

Japanese socket with grounding plug, for washing machine.

JIS C 8303, Class II (Japanese 15 A/100 V, ungrounded)

The Japanese plug and socket are identical to NEMA 1-15 type. However, Japan has stricter fork body sizing requirements, different labeling requirements, and requires mandatory testing and approval by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) or JIS.

Many Japanese sockets and extension cords are non-polarized—the slots in the sockets are the same size—and only accept non-polarized plugs. Japanese plugs will generally fit most North American outlets without issue, but polarized North American plugs may require an adapter or replacement to fit into older Japanese outlets. However, the mains voltage in Japan is 100V, and the frequency in the East is 50Hz rather than 60Hz, so North American devices can be connected to the Japanese mains, but proper operation is not guaranteed.

Type B

NEMA 5-15 (North American 15 A/125 V, grounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 5-15

A type B fork has, in addition to parallel flat blades, a round or letter-shaped blade U grounding terminal (US NEMA 5-15/Canadian CSA 22.2, _ 42). It is rated for a current of 15 Amps and a voltage of 125 Volts. The grounding contact is longer than the phase and neutral contacts, which means that the grounding connection is guaranteed before the power is turned on. Sometimes both power pins in Type B plugs are narrow because the ground pin prevents the plug from being plugged in incorrectly, but the slots in the socket are different sizes to allow Type A plugs to be plugged in correctly. If the ground pin is at the bottom, the phase will be on the right.

The 5-15 socket is the standard throughout North America (Canada, USA and Mexico). True, Mexico also uses Japanese-style sockets. The 5-15 socket is also used in central America, the Caribbean, northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and parts of Brazil), Japan, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.

In some parts of the US, new buildings are now required to install electrical outlets with protective curtains to prevent foreign objects from being inserted into them.

A 5-20R receptacle with a neutral T-slot, installed with the ground pin facing up.

In theaters this connector is sometimes called PBG(Parallel Blade with Ground, parallel knives with the ground), Edison or Hubbell, by the name of the main manufacturer.

NEMA 5-20 (North American 20 A/125 V, grounded) according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 5-20

In new residential areas, since about 1992, 20-amp T-slot receptacles accept both 15-amp parallel-blade plugs and 20-amp plugs.

JIS C 8303, Class I (Japanese 15 A/100 V, grounded)

Japan also uses a Type B plug, similar to the North American one. However, it is less common than its type A equivalent.

Type C

Plug and socket CEE 7/16

(Not to be confused with three-pin IEC connectors C13 and C14)

CEE 7/16 (Europlug (Europlug) 2.5 A/250 V, without grounding), according to GOST 7396 .1-89 - type C5 option II

For more information on this topic, see: Europlug.

This two-pin plug is known in Europe as Europlug (Europlug, not to be confused with Schuko, which is called Europlug in Russia). The plug is not grounded and has two 4mm round prongs that usually meet slightly towards their free ends. It can be inserted into any socket that accepts 4mm diameter round pins spaced 19mm apart. It is described in CEE 7/16 and also defined in the Italian standard CEI 23-5 and the Russian standard GOST 7396.

The Europlug is equipped with class II devices throughout continental Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Germany, Greenland, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia). It is also used in the Middle East, most African countries, South America (Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Chile), Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan) as well as in the former Soviet republics and many developing countries. It is also used in many countries along with the BS 1363 plug, especially the former British colonies.

This plug is designed for a current of 2.5 A. Since it is non-polarized, it can be inserted into the socket in any position, so the phase and neutral are connected randomly.

The spacing and length of the pins allow it to be safely plugged into most sockets CEE 7/17, type E (French), type H (Israeli), CEE 7/4 (Schuko), CEE 7/7, type J (Swiss), type K ( Danish) and type L (Italian).

Fork CEE 7/17

CEE 7/17 (German-French 16 A/250 V, ungrounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type C6

This plug also has two round prongs, but they are 4.8mm in diameter, like the E and F types. The plug has a round plastic or rubber base that prevents it from being plugged into the small Europlug sockets. The plug fits only into large round sockets for types E and F. The plug has both a hole for the grounding pin and contact strips for the side contacts. The plug is used in conjunction with class II devices designed for high operating current (vacuum cleaners, hair dryers), and in South Korea - with any household appliances that do not require grounding. It is also defined in the Italian standard CEI 23-5. Can be inserted into an Israeli H-type socket, although this is not recommended as they are designed for smaller diameter pins.

Hybrid E/F type

CEE 7/7 plug

CEE 7/7 (French-German 16 A/250 V, with grounding), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type C4

To be compatible with types E and F, a CEE 7/7 plug has been developed. It is polarized when used with a type E socket, but in type F sockets the connection between the phase and neutral wires is not observed. The plug is rated for 16 A. It has grounding clamps on both sides for connection to a CEE 7/4 socket outlet and a female contact for the grounding pin of a Type E socket outlet. Appliances supplied to countries using the E or F standard are supplied with this type of plug.

Type G

BS 1363 (British 13 A/230-240 V 50 Hz, earthed, fused), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type B2

Plug according to British standard 1363. This type is used not only in the UK, but also in Ireland, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Cyprus, Malta, Gibraltar, Botswana, Ghana, Hong Kong, Macau (Macao) , Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Mauritius, Iraq, Kuwait, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. BS 1363 is also the standard for some former British colonies in the Caribbean such as Belize, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. It is also used in Saudi Arabia in 230V appliances, although 110V appliances with a NEMA connector are more common.

This plug, commonly known as a “13-amp plug,” is a large plug with three rectangular prongs forming a triangle. The phase and neutral contacts are 18 mm long and spaced 22 mm apart. 9mm of insulation at the base of the pins prevents accidental contact with exposed conductor when the plug is partially inserted. The ground pin is approximately 4 x 8 mm and approximately 23 mm long.

The plug has a built-in fuse. It is needed to protect the supply wire, as in the UK ring wiring is used, protected only by a central fuse, usually 32A. Any fuse can be inserted into the plug, but according to safety requirements it must be designed for the maximum current of the device being protected. The fuse is 1 inch (25.4 mm) long in accordance with British Standard BS 1362. Connections to sockets are made with the neutral wire on the left and the live wire on the right (looking at the front of the socket), so that a blown fuse in the plug breaks the live wire. The same convention is used for all UK sockets connected directly to the 'mains' wiring.

British Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) require socket outlets in homes to have a shutter on the live and neutral openings to prevent anything other than electrical plugs from being inserted. The shutters open when a longer ground pin is inserted. The curtains also prevent the use of plugs of other standards. Plugs for Class II devices that do not require grounding have a grounding pin that is often made of plastic and serves only to open the shutters and comply with the phase and neutral connection rules. It is generally possible to open the shutters with the blade of a screwdriver to accommodate a Type C plug (but not the BS 4573 British razor plug) or other types of plugs, but this is dangerous as these plugs do not have a safety lock and may jam in the socket.

BS 1363 plugs and sockets began appearing in 1946, and the BS 1363 standard was first published in 1947. By the late 1950s it had replaced the earlier Type D BS 546 in new devices, and by the late 1960s Type D devices were converted to Type BS 1363. Socket outlets often have phase switches for convenience and safety.

Type H

Two Israeli plugs and one socket. On the left is the old standard fork, on the right is the modernization of 1989.

SI 32 (Israeli 16 A/250 V, with grounding)

This plug, defined in SI 32 (IS16A-R), is not found anywhere except Israel and is not compatible with other types of sockets. It has three flat pins arranged in the shape of the letter Y. The phase and neutral are spaced 19 mm apart. The H-type plug is designed for 16A current, but in practice, the thin flat pins can cause the plug to overheat when connecting high-power devices. In 1989 the standard was revised. Now three 4mm round pins are used, placed in the same way. Receptacles manufactured since 1989 accept both flat and round prongs to accommodate both types of plugs. This also allows you to connect type H sockets to type C plugs, which are used in Israel for ungrounded devices. Older sockets, circa 1970s production, have both flat and round holes for the phase and neutral to accept both Type C and H plugs. As of 2008, Type H sockets, which accept only older Type H plugs, very rare in Israel.

This plug is also used in areas controlled by the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Type I

Australian 3 pin double socket with switches

AS/NZS 3112 (Australasian type 10 A/240 V)

For more information on this topic see: AS 3112.

This type of plug, used in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Argentina and Papua New Guinea, has a grounding pin and two flat power contacts in an inverted V shape. The flat blades measure 6.5 mm × 1.6 mm and are mounted under an angle of 30° to the vertical with a nominal distance between them of 13.7 mm. Australian and New Zealand wall sockets almost always have switches for added safety, just like in England. An ungrounded version of this plug, with two angled power pins but no grounding pin, is used with small double-insulated appliances, but wall outlets always have three pins, including the grounding pin.

There are several variants of the AS/NZS 3112 plug, including a version with a wider grounding pin, used by devices with a current draw of up to 15 A; Receptacles that support this contact also support 10-amp plugs. There is a 20 Amp version, with all three pins oversized, as well as 25 and 32 Amp options, with the pins larger than the 20 Amp plug, forming an inverted "L" for 25A and a horizontal "U" for 32A . These outlets accept plugs rated at or below the maximum amperage rating, but not plugs rated at higher amperages. For example, a 10A plug will fit into all sockets, but a 20A plug will only fit into 20, 25, and 32A sockets).

The Australasian standard plug/socket system was originally called the C112 standard (originating in 1937 as a temporary solution, adopted as a formal standard in 1938), which was replaced by the AS 3112 standard in 1990. As of 2005, the last significant change is AS/NZS 3112:2004, which requires insulation on supply contacts. However, it is permitted to use equipment and cables manufactured before 2003.

Chinese sockets accepting plugs types A, C (top) and I (bottom, standard)

China Compulsory Certification Mark (CCC)

CPCS-CCC (Chinese 10 A/250 V), according to GOST 7396 .1-89 - type A10-20

Although Chinese sockets have 1mm longer pins, they can accept Australasian plugs. The standard for Chinese plugs and sockets is established by documents GB 2099.1-1996 and GB 1002-1996. As part of China's commitment to join the WTO, a new certification system, CPCS (Compulsory Product Certification System), has been introduced, and corresponding Chinese plugs receive the CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark. The plug has three contacts, grounding. Rated at 10A, 250V and used in Class 1 devices.

In China, sockets are installed the other way around, upside down, compared to Australasian ones.

China also uses US-Japanese Type A plugs and sockets for Class II devices. However, the voltage between the contacts of a Chinese socket is always 220V, regardless of the type of plug.

IRAM 2073 (Argentine 10A/250V)

The Argentinean plug has three contacts, grounding, and is designed for a current of 10A, voltage of 250V. The standard is defined by the Argentine Institute of Standardization and Certification (Instituto Argentino de Normalización y Certificación, IRAM) and is used with Class 1 devices in Argentina and Uruguay.

This fork is similar in appearance to Australasian and Chinese forks. The pin length is the same as the Chinese version. The most important difference from the Australasian plug is that the phase and neutral are connected to it in reverse.

Type J

Type J plugs and sockets

SEV 1011 (Swiss type 10 A/250 V)

Switzerland has its own standard, described in document SEV 1011. (ASE1011/1959 SW10A-R) This plug is similar to the Euro plug type C (CEE 7/16), except that it has an offset ground pin and no pins. insulated sleeves so that plugs that are not fully inserted into non-recessed receptacles present a risk of electric shock. Sockets used in kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas are recessed, but those in other places are not. Some plugs and adapters have tapered ends and can be used anywhere, while others only fit into non-recessed outlets. Swiss sockets accept Swiss plugs or Euro plugs (CEE 7/16). There is also an ungrounded two-pin version with the same shape, dimensions and live-to-neutral spacing as the SEV 1011, but with a flatter hexagonal shape. The plug fits round and hexagonal Swiss sockets and CEE 7/16 sockets. Designed for current up to 10 A.

A less common version has 3 square contacts and is rated at 16 A. Above 16 A, the equipment must either be connected to the mains in a permanent way, with suitable branch protection, or connected using a suitable industrial connector.

Type K

Danish 107-2-D1, standard DK 2-1a, with round power pins and semi-circular ground pin

Danish computer socket, with rotated flat pins and semi-circular ground pin (used mainly for professional equipment), standard DK 2-5a

Section 107-2-D1 (Danish 10 A/250 V, grounded)

This Danish standard plug is described in Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard sheet (SRAF1962/DB 16/87 DN10A-R). The plug is similar to the French Type E, except that it has a grounding pin instead of a grounding hole (it's the other way around in a socket). This makes the Danish socket more discreet than the French socket, which appears as a depression in the wall to protect the ground pin from damage and from touching the power pins.

The Danish socket also accepts Europlug type C CEE 7/16 or type E/F CEE 7/17 Schuko-French hybrid plug. Type F CEE 7/4 (Schuko), E/F CEE 7/7 (Schuko-French hybrid), and type E grounded French plug will also fit into this outlet, but should not be used for devices that require a grounding contact. Both plugs are rated at 10A.

The variant (standard DK 2-5a) of the Danish plug is intended only for interference-proof computer sockets. It fits into the corresponding computer socket and the normal K-type socket, but the normal K-type plugs are intentionally made to not fit into the dedicated computer socket. This plug is often used in companies, but very rarely at home.

There is also an option for medical equipment, with a rectangular left pin. It is often used in life support systems.

Traditionally, all Danish sockets were equipped with a switch to prevent touching live contacts when connecting/disconnecting the plug. Today, the use of sockets without switches is permitted, but such sockets must have a recess that protects a person from touching live contacts. However, usually the shape of the plug makes it very difficult to touch the contacts when connecting/disconnecting.

Since the early 1990s, earthed sockets have become mandatory in all new electrical installations in Denmark. Old sockets do not need to be grounded, but from 1 July 2008 all sockets, including old ones, must be protected by an RCD (HFI in Danish terminology).

Since 1 July 2008, type E (French, two-pin, earthing pin) wall sockets have been permitted in Denmark. This was done because equipment with K-type plugs was not sold to individuals and to break the monopoly of Lauritz Knudsen, the only company making K-type plugs and sockets.

Schuko type F sockets will not be permitted. The reason is that most plugs currently used in Denmark will get stuck in a Schuko socket. This can damage the socket. This may also cause poor contact, with the risk of overheating and fire. Broken F sockets can often be seen in German hotels frequented by Danes. Many international travel adapters are sold outside Denmark with plugs conforming to types C CEE 7/16 (Europlug) and E/F CEE 7/7 (Franco-Schuko hybrid) that can be used in Denmark.

Type L

Plug and socket 23-16/VII

A visual comparison of Italian type L plugs rated at 16 Amps (left) and 10 Amps (right).

Italian electrical installation with sockets of both types L (16 A on the left; 10 A on the right).

CEI 23-16/VII (Italian type 10 A/250 V and 16 A/250 V)

The Italian standard for earthed plug/socket outlets, CEI 23-16/VII, includes two models, 10 A and 16 A, differing in pin diameter and pin spacing (see details below). Both are symmetrical and allow you to connect the phase with the neutral in any way.

The double standard was adopted because in Italy, until the second half of the 20th century, electricity for lighting ( Luce= lighting) and for other purposes ( Forza= force, electromotive force; or Uso Promiscuo= general purpose) were sold at different tariffs, with different taxes, were considered separate meters, and were transmitted over different wires ending in different sockets. Although both electric lines (and the corresponding tariffs) were combined in the summer of 1974, many homes remained double-wired and double-metered for many years. Thus, two sizes of plugs and sockets became the de facto standard, still in use today and standardized in document CEI 23-16/VII. Older products are often equipped with one of the standard sockets, either 10 A or 16 A, requiring the use of an adapter to connect the other size plug.

Ungrounded Euro plugs CEE 7/16 (type C) are also widely used; they are standardized in Italy as CEI 23-5 and are suitable for most devices with low current requirements and double insulation.

Devices with CEE 7/7 plugs are also often sold in Italy, however, not every socket can accept them, since the pins of CEE 7/7 plugs are thicker than Italian ones. Adapters are cheap and are often used to connect CEE 7/7 plugs to CEI 23-16/VII sockets, but the rated current requirement is often violated (16A instead of 10A), which can lead to an unsafe connection in some cases.

CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 10 A/250 V)

The 10-amp variety extends the CEE 7/16 by adding a center ground pin of the same size. Therefore, CEI 23-16-VII 10 Amp sockets can accept CEE 7/16 Euro plugs. This type of plug is shown in the first picture.

CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 16 A/250 V)

The 16 amp looks like a larger version of the similarly shaped 10 amp. However, the pins are 5 mm thick, with a distance between them of 8 mm (the 10A version has a distance of 5.5 mm), and are 7 mm longer. The packaging of these plugs in Italy may claim that they are of the “Northern European” type. In the past they were also called per la forza motrice(for electromotive force) (for forks for motive force, see above) or sometimes industriale(industrial), although the latter was never the correct definition, since enterprises used predominantly three-phase current and special connectors.

Two-size or multi-size sockets

Socket bipasso(number 1) and Italian adapted socket schuko(number 2 in the photo) in a modern product.

Italian socket brand VIMAR universale, capable of accepting plug types A, C, E, F, E/F hybrids and both Italian L plug types.

Since it is a fact that the type of plugs found throughout Italy varies, in modern installations in Italy (and other countries where type L plugs are used) it is possible to find sockets that accept plugs of more than one standard. The simplest type has a central round hole and two holes at the bottom and top, made in the shape of a figure eight. This design allows the connection of both type L plugs (CEI 23-16/VII 10 A and 16 A) and Euro plugs type C CEE 7/16. The advantage of this type of socket is its small, compact front part. VIMAR claims that it patented sockets of this type already in 1975 with the release of their model Bpresa; however, soon other manufacturers began selling similar products, calling them in most cases by the generic term presa bipasso(two-standard socket), which is now very common.

The second fairly common type looks like an F receptacle, but with the addition of a central grounding hole. Sockets of this design can, in addition to Type C and 10 Amp L type plugs, accept CEE 7/7 (E/F type) plugs. Some of these receptacles may have figure-eight holes to accept 16-amp L-type plugs. The trade-off for versatility is twice the size of a normal L-type receptacle.

Other types may go even further in terms of compatibility. Manufacturer VIMAR produces a socket universale(universal) that accepts CEE 7/7 (Type E/F), Type C, 10A and 16A Type L, and US/Japanese Type A plugs.

Other countries

Outside Italy, type L CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 10A/250V) plugs can be found in Syria, Libya, Ethiopia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, various countries in North Africa, and occasionally in old buildings in Spain.

Type M

BS 546 (South African type 15 A/250 V)

The term "Type M" is often used to describe the 15 amp version of the old British Type D used in South Africa and elsewhere.

In the USSR, two-pin sockets with non-spring solid ring contacts and a built-in fuse were initially used. These included forks with replaceable split round pins. Often on the back of the plug there were sockets for connecting another plug, which made it possible to connect plugs in a “stack” when there were not enough sockets. But later such plugs were abandoned, since the pins of such plugs often unscrewed and broke while remaining in the socket. Solid pin plugs required the pin to be held in place by spring pins in the socket, so older sockets cannot provide reliable contact between the plug and solid pins. However, low-power devices can be connected to such an outlet. Split plugs typically fit Type C pin diameters, but cannot fit into Type F sockets due to the shape of the housing.

Old spanish sockets

In old buildings in Spain you can find sockets with a special type of plug, which has two flat blades and a round pin between them. This species is vaguely similar to the American one.

The phase and neutral contacts have dimensions of 9 mm × 2 mm. The distance between them is 30 mm. All three contacts are 19 mm long. The diameter of the grounding pin is 4.8 mm.

Despite the fact that the plug resembles the American one, the two flat contacts are much further apart from each other than in the American version.

There are no devices sold with these plugs. An adapter is needed.

British electrical clock connector

British three-pin clock connector and disassembled plug with 2A fuse.

Fused plugs and sockets of various non-interchangeable types can be found in older public buildings in Great Britain, where they were used to supply AC power to electric wall clocks. They are smaller than conventional sockets, usually designed to fit into BESA (British Engineering Standards Association) junction boxes, often almost flat. Older plugs had a fuse on both wires, newer ones only on the phase wire and had a ground pin. Most were provided with a retaining screw or bracket to prevent accidental disconnection. Gradually, battery-powered quartz watches almost completely replaced network ones, and along with them, similar connectors.

American "Type I"

American appliance manufacturers, Hubbell, Eagle, and perhaps others made sockets and plugs that were exactly Type I, similar to those used in Australia today. Such sockets were installed in the United States in the 1930s for electrical appliances installed in the laundry room: washing machines and gas clothes dryers (to drive the motor). It was impossible to accept type A plugs, which is probably why they quickly fell out of use, being replaced by type B sockets.

Greek "type H"

Sockets, plugs and tees of the old Greek system

Before the widespread use of the schuko system, sockets similar to the H type with round pins were used in Greece, which were usually called τριπολικές (tripoliks).

Perpendicular rosette, USA

Perpendicular slotted double rosette

Perpendicular Soviet slot socket RP-2B for 10A 42V AC

Another outdated type of outlet from Bryant is 125V 15A and 250V 10A. A NEMA 5-20 125V 20A or 6-20 250V 20A plug with a missing ground pin will fit this outlet, but a NEMA 2-20 plug is too large for it.

The top slots, as seen in the picture, are connected to silver clamp screws on the top, and the bottom slots are connected to copper screws on the bottom.

In Australia, the same or similar T-shaped sockets are used for DC power, for example in Stand-alone Power Systems (SAPS) or on ships. In this application, the horizontal slot is placed at the top and is at positive potential. In the same way, sockets are used for temporary equipment in emergency vehicles. In Victoria it is customary for the top of the letter T to be marked with a minus sign and therefore to be at negative potential. Outside Victoria, the vertical contact is designed to connect to the body/chassis. The top terminal of the T is positive on vehicles that have the chassis at negative potential. Also, the old vehicle is still running, with a positive potential on the chassis, that is, the polarity of the socket contacts can be any.

In the Soviet Union, and now in Russia, this socket was usually used to supply a reduced voltage for safety reasons, for example in schools, at gas stations, and in wet areas. The outlet is rated at 42V 10A AC. Such an unusual connection is necessary so that it is impossible to connect a low-voltage device to a 220V outlet.

US, combination double socket

The parallel-series receptacle accepts normal NEMA 1-15 parallel plugs as well as NEMA 2-15 series plugs. Both pairs of outlets are powered by the same source.

A more recent and fairly common version of this type is the T-slot rosette, in which serial and parallel slots were combined to produce T-shaped slots. This version also accepts normal NEMA 1-15 parallel plugs as well as NEMA 2-15 series plugs. By the way, a NEMA 5-20 (125V, 20A) or 6-20 (250V, 20A) plug without a grounding pin will also fit into this outlet. This type of socket has not been sold in stores since the 1960s.

Dorman & Smith (D&S), UK

D&S socket

The D&S standard was the earliest connector standard for ring wiring. The connectors were designed for a current of 13A. They were never popular in private homes, but were very often installed in prefabricated and municipal ones. They were also used by the BBC. D&S supplied sockets to local authorities at very low prices, with the intention of making money by selling plugs that typically cost 4 times the price of Type G plugs. It is not known exactly when D&S stopped producing plugs and sockets, but some local authorities continued to install them until the late 1950s years. D&S sockets were in use until the early 1980s, although the difficulty of obtaining plugs for them after 1970 forced residents to replace them with G sockets. This generally contravened local government redevelopment orders. The D&S plug had a serious design flaw: the fuse, which also served as a phase pin, was connected to the plug body with a thread, and often unscrewed during operation, remaining in the socket.

Wylex, UK

Wylex plugs and sockets were manufactured by Wylex Electrical Supplies Ltd. as competitors to the G and D&S types. There were varieties of plugs designed for 5 and 13 amperes, with different widths of phase and neutral contacts and fuse ratings. The plug had a round ground prong in the center and two flat prongs on each side for live and neutral, slightly above the middle of the center prong. Wall sockets were rated at 13A and accepted 5A and 13A plugs. Many 13A plugs had a socket on the back that would only accept a 5A plug. Wylex sockets were installed in municipal and public housing, less often in the private sector. They were particularly popular in the Manchester area, although they were installed throughout England, mainly in schools, university housing and government laboratories. Wylex plugs and sockets continued to be produced after the final adoption of the G standard, and were widely used in banks and computer rooms throughout the 1960s and 1970s for uninterruptible power supplies or "clean" filtered networks. It is not known exactly when Wylex stopped producing plugs and sockets; however, plugs could be found on sale in the Manchester area until the mid-1980s.

Chuck adapters

Two Italian lamp sockets, with outlet. On the left is a 1930 example (porcelain and copper); right - ok. 1970 (black plastic).

The incandescent lamp socket plug fits into a bayonet or Edison screw socket. It allows you to connect electrical appliances to light bulb sockets. These plugs were widely used from the 1920s to the 1960s, when many homes had few or no wall outlets.

Often, lighting circuits are equipped with a 5A fuse or circuit breaker, which does not prevent the socket from overheating. Fuses were very rarely installed in the adapters themselves. In the UK and some other countries the use of such adapters is prohibited for fire safety reasons.

In Italy, plugs for Edison lamp sockets were used very widely, while the lighting network was separated from the general purpose network, and some places in the house (for example, basements) were not usually equipped with sockets.

Type A adapters can still be easily found in the Americas.

Rare types

NEMA 2-15 and 2-20

Ungrounded plugs with two flat parallel blades are a variant of the 1-15 plug, but are designed to supply 240 volts instead of 120. The 2-15 has coplanar power contacts (rotated 90° relative to the contacts in regular American plugs), and the voltage rating is current is 240V 15A, while 2-20 has two power contacts rotated 90° relative to each other (one vertical, the other horizontal) and a rating of 240V 20A. NEMA 2 plugs and sockets are very rare because they have been banned for decades in the US and Canada. They are potentially dangerous because they are not grounded, and in some cases the plugs may be inserted into outlets of a different voltage. Before the NEMA standard for 120V at 20A, a plug almost identical to the 2-20 type was used. The 2-20 plug fits into 5-20 and 6-20 sockets designed for a different voltage.

Walsall Gauge, UK

Unlike standard English BS 1363 plugs, the earth pin is horizontal and the live and neutral pins are vertical. This type of plug was used by the BBC, and is still sometimes used on the London Underground on low voltage networks.

Italian connector Bticino Magic security

Magic security connectors were developed by Bticino in the 1960s as an alternative to Europlugs or L-type connectors. Sockets of this type are almost rectangular, the plugs were inserted into a shaped slot, closed with a safety lid with the inscription “Magic”, which could only open when the corresponding plug was inserted into it. At least four models were produced: three single-phase general purpose connectors, rated respectively 10A, 16A and 20A, and a three-phase industrial connector rated 10A. Each connector had its own slot shape so that plugs could not be plugged into sockets that did not correspond to them. The contacts are located on both sides of the plug. The plug only connects to electricity when it is fully inserted into the outlet.

The obvious disadvantage of the system is that it is not compatible with Euroforks. Since household appliances were never sold with such a plug, after installing such sockets it was necessary to replace the plugs with the corresponding Magic security ones. However, the system Magic security was initially quite popular among consumers who valued security; The connectors used at that time were not sufficiently safe. When safety covers for type L sockets (VIMAR Sicury) were invented, Magic sockets almost went out of use.

In Italy, the Magic system has not been officially abandoned, and it is still available in the Bticino product catalog, although it is not popular.

In Chile, 10 Amp Magic connectors are commonly used in computer and laboratory environments, as well as in telecommunications plants, as a standard of reliability and safety, due to their polarization, difficulty of accidental disconnection, etc.

Brazil, using a mixture of Europlug and NEMA, later adopted it as the national standard NBR 14136 in 2001. A gradual transition is planned, starting in 2007 and ending in 2010 (retail stores and resellers can sell devices without time limits, but importers cannot import non-compliant devices, and manufacturers cannot sell them domestically).

Multi-standard sockets

Standard grounded Thai socket that accepts European two-pin plugs and US grounded and ungrounded plugs

Receptacles that support different types of plugs can be found in various countries in which market size or local market conditions make developing a specific plug standard impractical. These sockets accept plugs made to various European, Asian and North American standards. Because many plug standards are tied to their respective voltages, multistandard receptacles do not provide protection against damage to devices rated for other voltages. This forces users to know the voltage requirements for their devices as well as the prevailing voltage in the host country. With such sockets, you can safely use devices that automatically adjust to the desired voltage and frequency and do not require grounding.

These outlets may have one or more grounding holes for three-prong plugs. In correctly routed circuits, the ground pin is actually grounded; however, it is possible to determine whether this is so only with the help of special instruments. Even correctly wired sockets cannot guarantee a ground connection to all types of plugs, since it is difficult to create a socket of this design.

When connecting a three-phase electric stove, the load on each phase separately is reduced due to the fact that each part of the stove is connected to a separate phase.

With a single-phase connection, the load on a single phase increases. The maximum power consumption of a typical modern electric stove is 8-10 kW, which at a voltage of 220V corresponds to a current of 36-45A. Conventional household wall sockets are designed, as a rule, for a current of no more than 16A, so the stove must be connected to the electrical network either in a permanent way or with a grounded connector designed for the appropriate current.

Different countries have different practices for connecting electric stoves.

For example, Swiss regulations dictate that equipment consuming current in excess of 16A must either be connected to the network in a permanent way, with suitable branch protection, or connected using an industrial connector suitable for the current rating.

The electrical safety regulations of some other countries do not say anything about the method of connecting electric stoves, and everyone is free to choose the connection method independently. Often the consumer himself buys the first non-standard pair of plug and socket for a specific electric stove, and it often happens that they are designed for a current of 25-32A, since the user relies on the fact that the stove usually never turns on at full power. The non-standard nature of the plug and socket is explained by the lack of national standards for connecting electric stoves.

See also

Links

• IEC Zone: Plugs and sockets Wikipedia

An IEC connector is the general name for a set of thirteen female connectors mounted on the power cord (hereinafter called connector) and thirteen male connectors mounted on the panel of the device (called input), defined by the specification ... ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Rosette. This article lacks an introduction. Please add an introductory section that briefly describes the topic of the article. Contained ... Wikipedia

This article is about the design, technical features and history of the development of plug connectors. For plug connector standards adopted in different countries, see List of plug connector standards ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Voltage... Wikipedia

- (CEE 7/17), mechanically polarized version The contour plug (Type designation: CEE 7/17) has been designed to be used, like the Europlug, throughout Europe. It is used when the device does not require protective grounding, but ... Wikipedia

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 kind of sockets and what kind of voltage there 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, you’ll burn your device.
Let's try to understand the intricacies of electrical engineering.

Voltage and frequency

By and large, only two levels of electrical voltage are used in the household network in the world:
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, partially, 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 of Brazil , Japan, Saudi Arabia, 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.
You need to remember (save, sketch, photograph) the 13 most used types of sockets, which are designated in Latin letters from 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 the American type A connector, but they are located at an angle to each other - in the shape of the letter 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 is similar to the Type C plug, but has an additional grounding pin in the middle and two round power pins. 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, 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.

There are more than a hundred ways to connect electrical appliances to the network in the world. There are a huge number of plugs and sockets. It is also necessary to take into account that each country has a specific voltage, frequency and current strength. This can turn into a serious problem for tourists. But this question is relevant today not only for those who love to travel. Some people, when renovating an apartment or house, deliberately install sockets of the standard of other countries. One of these is the American outlet. It has its own characteristics, disadvantages and advantages. Today there are only 13 socket and plug standards that are used in different countries of the world. Let's look at some of them.

Two frequency and voltage standards

It would seem, why do we need so many standards and types of electrical elements? But it should be taken into account that there are different network voltage standards. Many people do not know that the household electrical network in North America uses not traditional 220 V, as in Russia and the CIS, but 120 V. But this was not always the case. Until the 60s, throughout the Soviet Union, household voltage was 127 volts. Many will ask why this is so. As you know, the amount of electrical energy consumed is constantly growing. Previously, apart from light bulbs in apartments and houses, there were simply no other consumers.

Everything that each of us plugs into a power outlet every day - computers, televisions, microwaves, boilers - did not exist then and appeared much later. When the power increases, the voltage must be increased. Higher current entails overheating of the wires, and with them certain losses due to this heating. This is serious. In order to avoid this unnecessary loss of precious energy, it was necessary to increase the cross-section of the wire. But it is very difficult, time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it was decided to increase the voltage in the networks.

The times of Edison and Tesla

Edison was a proponent of direct current. He believed that this particular current was convenient for work. Tesla believed in the advantages of variable frequency. Eventually the two scientists began to practically fight each other. By the way, this war ended only in 2007, when the United States switched to alternating current in household networks. But let's return to Edison. He created the production of incandescent light bulbs with carbon-based filaments. The voltage for optimal operation of these lamps was 100 V. He added another 10 V for losses in the conductors and at his power plants accepted 110 V as the operating voltage. That is why the American outlet was designed for 110 V for a long time. Further in the States, and then in other countries that worked closely with the United States adopted 120 V as the standard voltage. The current frequency was 60 Hz. But electrical networks were created in such a way that two phases and a “neutral” were connected to houses. This made it possible to obtain 120 V when using phase voltages or 240 in the case of

Why two phases?

It's all about the generators that created electricity for all of America.

Until the end of the 20th century, they were two-phase. Weak consumers were connected to them, and more powerful ones were transferred to linear voltages.

60 Hz

This is entirely due to Tesla. This happened back in 1888. He worked closely with J. Westinghouse, including on the development of generators. They argued a lot and for a long time about the optimal frequency - the opponent insisted on choosing one of the frequencies in the range from 25 to 133 Hz, but Tesla stood firm on his idea and the figure of 60 Hz fit into the system as much as possible.

Advantages

Among the advantages of this frequency are lower costs in the manufacturing process of the electromagnetic system for transformers and generators. Therefore, equipment for this frequency is significantly smaller in size and weight. By the way, the lamps practically do not flicker. An American outlet in the States is much better suited for powering computers and other equipment that requires good power.

Sockets and standards

There are two main standards in frequency and voltage in the world.

One of them is American. This network voltage is 110-127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. And standard A and B are used as plugs and sockets. The second type is European. Here the voltage is 220-240 V, frequency is 50 Hz. The European socket is predominantly S-M.

Type A

These species are widespread only in Northern and Central America. They can also be found in Japan. However, there are some differences between them. The Japanese have two pins parallel to each other and flat with the same dimensions. The American outlet is a little different. And the fork for it, accordingly, too. Here one pin is wider than the second. This is done to ensure that the correct polarity is always maintained when connecting electrical appliances. After all, previously the current in American networks was constant. These sockets were also called Class II. Tourists say that plugs from Japanese technology work without problems with American and Canadian sockets. But connecting these elements in reverse (if the plug is American) will not work. A suitable adapter for the socket is required. But usually people just file down the wide pin.

Type B

These types of devices are only used in Canada, the USA and Japan. And if type “A” devices were intended for low-power equipment, then such sockets are used mainly for powerful household appliances with consumption currents of up to 15 amperes.

In some catalogs, such an American plug or socket may be designated as Class I or NEMA 5-15 (this is already an international designation). Now they have almost completely replaced type “A”. In the USA, only "B" is used. But in old buildings you can still find the old American outlet. It does not have a contact responsible for connecting the ground. In addition, the US industry has long been producing appliances with modern plugs. But this does not prevent the use of new electrical appliances in old houses. In this case, resourceful Americans simply cut off or destroy the grounding contact so that it does not interfere and can be connected to an old-style outlet.

About appearance and differences

Anyone who purchased an iPhone from the USA knows very well what an American outlet looks like. It has its own characteristics. The socket consists of two flat holes or slits. New type devices have an additional grounding contact at the bottom.

Also, to avoid errors, one pin of the plug is made wider than the other. The Americans decided not to change this approach, and left everything the same in the new outlets. The contacts on the plug are not pins like a European socket. These are more like plates. There may be holes at their ends.

How to operate American equipment in the CIS countries

It happens that people bring equipment from the States and want to use it in Europe or Russia. And they encounter a problem - the socket does not fit the plug. So what should we do? You can replace the cord with a standard European one, but this is not an option for everyone. For those who are not technically savvy and have never held a soldering iron in their hands, it is recommended to purchase an adapter for a socket. There are quite a lot of them - they are all different in quality and price. If you are planning a trip to the USA, then you should stock up on adapters in advance. There they can cost five or more dollars. If you order from an online store, you can save up to half the cost. It should also be taken into account that even in US hotels, all sockets meet the American standard - and it doesn’t matter that most of the people who stay are foreign tourists.

In this case, an adapter from an American outlet to a European one could help him. The same applies to equipment purchased in the USA. If you don’t want to solder, you can buy an inexpensive Chinese-made adapter and fully use electrical appliances, charge your phone or tablet on a non-standard socket. There are no other options here.

Summary

They say that you can’t understand Russia with your mind, but in the USA everything is not so simple either. You can't just show up and use American style sockets with European or any other plugs. Therefore, you should take adapters on the road, and you need to order them in advance. This saves a lot of time and money.