World Electrical Plug Types Guide

Your comprehensive resource for understanding electrical plugs and outlets used around the world

Understanding Electrical Plug Standards

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.

All Plug Types

Type A

120V

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.

Type B

120V

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.

Type C

230V

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.

Type D

230V

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.

Type E

230V

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.

Type F

230V

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.

Type G

230V

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.

Type H

230V

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.

Type I

230V

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.

Type J

230V

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.

Type K

230V

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.

Type L

230V

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.

Type M

230V

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.

Type N

230V

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.

Type O

230V

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.

Voltage and Frequency Around the World

110-120V / 60Hz

Used primarily in North America, Central America, and parts of South America and the Caribbean.

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Japan (50/60Hz varies by region)
  • Colombia
  • Venezuela

220-240V / 50Hz

Used in most of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of South America.

  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Australia
  • India
  • China

Frequently Asked Questions

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 outletsโ€”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 devicesโ€”they may overheat. For extended stays, consider buying a quality country-specific adapter instead.

Planning International Travel?

Check our country-by-country guide to find out exactly what plugs and adapters you need.

View Country Guide Travel Tips

Plug Types

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O