Your comprehensive resource for understanding electrical plugs and outlets used around the world
There are currently 15 types of electrical plugs used around the world, designated by letters A through O. Each plug type has specific characteristics including pin configuration, grounding capability, and amperage ratings. Understanding these differences is essential for international travel and ensuring electrical safety.
Most countries operate on either 110-120V or 220-240V electrical systems, with frequencies of either 50Hz or 60Hz. Using the wrong voltage can damage your devices, so always check compatibility before plugging in.
Pins: 2 flat parallel pins
Grounded: No
Amperage: 15A
Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Central America
The Type A plug is one of the most common in North and Central America. It features two flat parallel pins and is ungrounded. The pins are 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide, and spaced 12.7mm apart.
Pins: 2 flat parallel pins + grounding pin
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 15A
Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Central America
Type B is the grounded version of Type A. It adds a round grounding pin below the two flat pins. This plug type was invented in 1915 by Harvey Hubbell II and is also known as NEMA 5-15.
Pins: 2 round pins
Grounded: No
Amperage: 2.5A
Countries: Europe, South America, Asia
Also known as the Europlug, Type C is the most widely used plug internationally. The pins are 4mm in diameter, 19mm long, and spaced 18.6mm apart. It fits into various European outlet types but lacks grounding.
Pins: 3 large round pins in triangle
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 5A
Countries: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, some African nations
Type D originated in British India and remains common in South Asia. It has three large round pins arranged in a triangle pattern. The pins are 7mm in diameter with the ground pin being larger.
Pins: 2 round pins + grounding hole
Grounded: Yes (via socket pin)
Amperage: 16A
Countries: France, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia
Type E features two round pins plus a hole for the grounding pin which protrudes from the socket. The pins are 4.8mm in diameter and 19mm long. This French standard is unique in having the ground in the socket rather than the plug.
Pins: 2 round pins + grounding clips
Grounded: Yes (via side clips)
Amperage: 16A
Countries: Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, most of Europe
Also called the Schuko (from German "Schutzkontakt" meaning protective contact), Type F has two round pins and two grounding clips on the sides. It's widely used across continental Europe and rated for 16A.
Pins: 3 rectangular pins
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 13A
Countries: UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong
The British Type G is one of the safest plug designs. It features three rectangular pins and includes a built-in fuse (typically 3A or 13A). The design includes shuttered sockets and insulated pins for enhanced safety.
Pins: 3 pins in V-shape (round)
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 16A
Countries: Israel, West Bank, Gaza Strip
Type H is unique to Israel. Originally with flat pins, it was redesigned in 1989 to use round pins. Modern Type H sockets accept both the old flat-pin and new round-pin versions, as well as Type C plugs.
Pins: 2 angled flat pins + grounding pin
Grounded: Yes (3-pin version)
Amperage: 10A
Countries: Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina, Papua New Guinea
Type I features two angled flat pins forming a V-shape, with an optional vertical grounding pin. The Australian version (AS/NZS 3112) requires insulated pins for safety. China uses a similar but slightly different version.
Pins: 3 round pins
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 10A
Countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein
Type J is the Swiss standard with three round pins arranged with the ground pin offset from center. Type C plugs fit into Type J sockets, but Type J plugs don't fit other socket types due to the unique ground pin position.
Pins: 3 round pins
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 16A
Countries: Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands
Type K is the Danish standard, similar to Type E/F but with a grounding pin on the plug rather than in the socket. The ground pin is positioned below and between the two power pins. Type C and Type E/F plugs can fit into Type K sockets.
Pins: 3 round pins in a row
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 10A or 16A
Countries: Italy, Chile, some North African countries
Type L has three round pins in a row with the ground in the center. There are two versions: 10A (4mm pins, 5.5mm spacing) and 16A (5mm pins, 8mm spacing). The versions are not compatible with each other.
Pins: 3 round pins in triangle
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 15A
Countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho
Type M is similar to Type D but larger, designed for higher current applications. The live and neutral pins are 7.1mm in diameter, while the earth pin is 8.7mm. Originally a British standard (BS 546), it remains common in South Africa.
Pins: 3 round pins
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 10A or 20A
Countries: Brazil, South Africa (new installations)
Type N was developed as a universal standard by the IEC but has only been adopted by Brazil. It comes in 10A and 20A versions. The design is similar to the Swiss Type J but with pins positioned differently. Type C plugs are compatible.
Pins: 3 round pins
Grounded: Yes
Amperage: 16A
Countries: Thailand
Type O is the official standard in Thailand, adopted in 2006. It's similar to Type F but includes a grounding pin. Thailand also accepts Type A, B, C, and F plugs, making it one of the most versatile countries for travelers.
Used primarily in North America, Central America, and parts of South America and the Caribbean.
Used in most of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of South America.
Most modern phone chargers and laptop adapters are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work worldwide. Check the label on your charger for "INPUT: 100-240V". If it shows this range, you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter. However, you'll still need the correct plug adapter for the country you're visiting.
A plug adapter only changes the physical shape of your plug to fit foreign outlets—it doesn't change the voltage. A voltage converter actually transforms the electrical voltage (e.g., from 220V to 110V). If your device isn't dual-voltage, you'll need both an adapter AND a converter to use it safely abroad.
Different countries developed their electrical systems independently during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before international standardization efforts existed. Each nation created plugs suited to their specific needs, safety regulations, and manufacturing capabilities. Attempts to create a universal standard (like Type N) have had limited success because replacing existing infrastructure is extremely costly.
Yes, Type C plugs are designed to fit into Type E, F, J, K, L, and N outlets. The Europlug (Type C) is intentionally compact and compatible with most European socket types. However, Type C is ungrounded, so it's only suitable for devices that don't require grounding, like phone chargers or electric shavers.
This can be dangerous. The device will receive twice the voltage it's designed for, which can cause overheating, damage to internal components, electrical fires, or even explosion in extreme cases. Always check your device's voltage rating before plugging it in abroad. Devices rated only for 120V need a step-down voltage converter when used in 220-240V countries.
The Type G plug has several safety features: built-in fuses protect against overcurrent, shuttered sockets prevent children from inserting objects, and insulated pins reduce shock risk during insertion. While "safest" is debatable, it's widely considered one of the most well-engineered plug designs. The trade-off is its larger size and the pain of stepping on one!
Japan uses Type A and B plugs (same as the USA), but operates on 100V instead of 120V. Most dual-voltage devices work fine, but single-voltage 120V devices may run slightly slower or dimmer. Japan also has two frequencies: 50Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo) and 60Hz in western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto). This rarely affects modern electronics.
Universal adapters are convenient for frequent travelers visiting multiple countries. Look for one that covers Types A, B, C, G, and I, which handles most destinations. Ensure it's from a reputable brand with proper safety certifications. Avoid cheap adapters for high-power devices—they may overheat. For extended stays, consider buying a quality country-specific adapter instead.
Check our country-by-country guide to find out exactly what plugs and adapters you need.
View Country Guide Travel Tips