Frequency and voltage supplied to most premises by country
Mains electricity by country includes a list of countries and territories, with the plugs, voltages and frequencies they commonly use for providing electrical power to low voltage appliances, equipment, and lighting typically found in homes and offices. (For industrial machinery, see industrial and multiphase power plugs and sockets.) Some countries have more than one voltage available. For example, in North America, a unique split-phase system is used to supply to most premises that works by center tapping a 240volt transformer. This system is able to concurrently provide 240volts and 120volts. Consequently, this allows homeowners to wire up both 240V and 120V circuits as they wish (as regulated by local building codes). Most sockets are connected to 120V for the use of small appliances and electronic devices, while larger appliances such as dryers, electric ovens, ranges and EV chargers use dedicated 240V sockets. Different sockets are mandated for different voltage or maximum current levels.
Voltage, frequency, and plug type vary, but large regions may use common standards. Physical compatibility of receptacles may not ensure compatibility of voltage, frequency, or connection to earth (ground), including plugs and cords. In some areas, older standards may still exist. Foreign enclaves, extraterritorial government installations, or buildings frequented by tourists may support plugs not otherwise used in a country, for the convenience of travellers.
Main reference source–IEC World Plugs
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) publishes a web microsite World Plugs[1] which provides the main source for this page, except where other sources are indicated. World Plugs includes some history, a description of plug types, and a list of countries giving the type(s) used and the mains voltage and frequency.
Although useful for quick reference, especially for travellers, IEC World Plugs may not be regarded as totally accurate, as illustrated by the examples in the plugs section below, and errors may exist.
Voltages
Voltages in this article are the nominal single-phase supply voltages, or split-phase supply voltages. Three-phase and industrial loads may have other voltages.
All voltages are root mean square (RMS) voltage; the peak AC voltage is greater by a factor of , and the peak-to-peak voltage greater by a factor of
Types of power plugs and sockets used by country for portable appliances A • B, A • C • D, M • E, C • F, C • G • H, C • I • J, C • K, C • L, C • N, C
The system of plug types using a single letter (from A to N) used here is from World Plugs, which defines the plug type letters in terms of a general description, without making reference to specific standards. Where a plug does not have a specific letter code assigned to it, then it may be defined by the style sheet number listed in IECTR60083.[2] Not all plugs are included in the letter system; for example, there is no designation for the plugs defined by the Thai National Standard TIS116-2549, though some web sites refer to the three-pin plug described in that standard as "TypeO".
Identification guide
TypeA (NEMA1–15 U.S. 2 pin) max 125V AC, max rating 15A, (GB1002 Chinese 2 pin) max 250V AC, max rating 6A or 10A
Type B (NEMA5–15 U.S. 3 pin) max 125V AC, max rating 15A and IEC standard60906-2
Sockets for 220-240V European typeC plugs are typically available at hotels; some buildings modify voltage, so travellers are advised to check before plugging in. TypeF are also available at some hotels.
NEMA5-20R outlets, which are similar to typeB but have a T-shaped neutral slot, are sometimes used for higher current 120V commercial equipments (up to 20A). On the other hand, NEMA10-50P outlets are sometimes used for 208V and 240V industrial equipments (up to 50A).
(1) It is worth noting that the combination of a typeC, E or F plug with a typeD socket may often be workable; but it is unsafe to use.[37][38] typeC, E & F plugs/sockets are not accepted in the IS1293 standard. The standard uses typeD sockets for 6A current and typeM sockets for 16A current.[39][40][41][42]
(2) From August 2015, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) began clamping down on the sale in the country of imported products with the typeC/E/F plug by pushing manufacturers and importers to comply with the IS1293 standard.[43] In June 2022, BIS began enforcing the standard through mandatory certification of both imported and domestic products.[44]
TypeG is the only general purpose outlet type in use in Ireland. Bathrooms may have shaver sockets. These accept 2.5amp Europlug CEE7/16 and UK type BS4573 plugs, which used on shavers and toothbrushes. They do not accept larger typeC plugs and general purpose outlets are generally banned in bathrooms / wet areas. Some hotels may also provide a typeF (Schuko) socket as a convenience for European visitors.
TypeL uses two gauges of plug and socket. The 10amp version has pin spacing that is compatible with Europlug. The 16amp version uses wider pin spacing and larger pins. Hybrid outlets that accept both types are common and some also accept typeF. NB: 16amp typeC plugs, such as CEE7/17 commonly found on hairdryers, will not fit typeL outlets and need an adapter, or should be used with a typeF or hybrid typeL/F outlet.
TypeE is extremely rare, but it may appear in some buildings, such as the University Carlos III of Madrid. Almost every Spanish plug would work on TypeE sockets.
There is also a Thai national standard, TIS166-2549 (sometimes known as TypeO) which may not yet be in common use.[63][64] TypeE and F plugs and sockets are banned.
TypeD mostly historical, nowadays used only for remotely switched lighting and similar. TypeM historically used in domestic installations, now only for stage lighting (and there increasingly replaced with Ceeform). Bathrooms may have shaver supply units.
Majority of households use unearthed hybrid sockets that accept typeA and C plugs. Hybrid sockets that accept typeA, B and C plugs are sometimes used in commercial installations. TypeF plugs are frequently plugged into hybrid sockets, even though no earth contact is made.
↑ "C" may indicate that buildings have three-pin sockets compatible with Europlugs, which also work with other plug types or that buildings have some or all two-pin European style sockets, similar to CEE 7/1, or that use of an adaptor is common practice. Not all two-pin European plugs are compatible with all two-pin European sockets; see AC power plugs and sockets §Compatibility.
Mains electricity or utility power, grid power, domestic power, and wall power, or, in some parts of Canada, hydro, is a general-purpose alternating-current (AC) electric power supply. It is the form of electrical power that is delivered to homes and businesses through the electrical grid in many parts of the world. People use this electricity to power everyday items by plugging them into a wall outlet.
A DC connector is an electrical connector that supplies direct current (DC) power.
IEC 60320 Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes is a set of standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifying non-locking connectors for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances of voltage not exceeding 250 V (a.c.) and rated current not exceeding 16 A. Different types of connector are specified for different combinations of current, temperature and earthing requirements. Unlike IEC 60309 connectors, they are not coded for voltage; users must ensure that the voltage rating of the equipment is compatible with the mains supply. The standard uses the term coupler to encompass connectors on power cords and power inlets and outlets built into appliances.
A power cord, line cord, or mains cable is an electrical cable that temporarily connects an appliance to the mains electricity supply via a wall socket or extension cord. The terms are generally used for cables using a power plug to connect to a single-phase alternating current power source at the local line voltage. The terms power cable, mains lead, flex or kettle lead are also used. A lamp cord is a light-weight, ungrounded, single-insulated two-wire cord used for small loads such as a table or floor lamp.
Schuko is a plug/socket system used in much of Europe. It is a registered trademark referring to a system of AC power plugs and sockets that is defined as "CEE 7/3" (sockets) and "CEE 7/4" (plugs). A Schuko plug features two round pins of 4.8 mm diameter for the line and neutral contacts, plus two flat contact areas on the top and bottom side of the plug for protective earth (ground). The socket has a predominantly circular recess which is 17.5 mm deep with two symmetrical round apertures and two earthing clips on the sides of the socket positioned to ensure that the earth is always engaged before live pin contact is made. Schuko plugs and sockets are symmetric AC connectors. They can be mated in two ways, therefore line can be connected to either pin of the appliance plug. As with most types of European sockets, Schuko sockets can accept Europlugs. Schuko plugs are considered a very safe design when used with Schuko sockets, but they can also mate with other sockets to give an unsafe result.
The Electricity Supply Board is a state owned electricity company based in Ireland with operations worldwide. While historically a monopoly, the ESB now operates as a commercial semi-state concern in a "liberalised" and competitive market. It is a statutory corporation whose members are appointed by the government of Ireland.
AC power plugs and sockets connect devices to mains electricity to supply them with electrical power. A plug is the connector attached to an electrically-operated device, often via a cable. A socket is fixed in place, often on the internal walls of buildings, and is connected to an AC electrical circuit. Inserting the plug into the socket allows the device to draw power from this circuit.
IEC 60309 is a series of international standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for "plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes". They are also referred to as "pin & sleeve" connectors in North America or as "CeeForm" connectors in the entertainment industry. The maximum voltage allowed by the standard is 1000 V DC or AC; the maximum current, 800 A; and the maximum frequency, 500 Hz. The ambient temperature range is −25 °C to 40 °C.
Industrial and multiphase plugs and sockets provide a connection to the electrical mains rated at higher voltages and currents than household plugs and sockets. They are generally used in polyphase systems, with high currents, or when protection from environmental hazards is required. Industrial outlets may have weatherproof covers, waterproofing sleeves, or may be interlocked with a switch to prevent accidental disconnection of an energized plug. Some types of connectors are approved for hazardous areas such as coal mines or petrochemical plants, where flammable gas may be present.
Electrical wiring in the United Kingdom is commonly understood to be an electrical installation for operation by end users within domestic, commercial, industrial, and other buildings, and also in special installations and locations, such as marinas or caravan parks. It does not normally cover the transmission or distribution of electricity to them.
The Europlug is a flat, non-rewirable two-pole, round-pin domestic AC power plug, rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. It is a compromise design intended to connect low-power Class II appliances safely to the many different forms of round-pin domestic power socket used across Europe. However, it is not compatible with the rectangular-pin BS 1363 sockets found in Cyprus, Gibraltar, Singapore, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom. By the standard, Europlugs must be non-rewirable and must be supplied attached to a power cord; anything else is non-compliant.
IEC 60906-1 is an international standard designed "to provide a standard for a safe, compact and practical 16 A 250 V AC system of plugs and socket-outlets that could be accepted by many countries as their national standard, even if not in the near future." The standard was originally published by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 1986; the current edition is ed2.0 published in 2009. Although it is almost identical to the Swiss SEV 1011 T12 plug for 10 A 250 V a.c. standardised in 1937, its dimensions are slightly different and its polarization is flipped. As of July 2014, only South Africa has introduced a standard based closely on IEC 60906-1. Brazil used it as the basis for its NBR 14136 standard, but this is not compatible with IEC 60906-1. In 2017 the European Union (EU) published recommendations advising against the harmonisation of domestic plug and socket systems in the EU.
AS/NZS 3112 is the harmonised/joint Australian and New Zealand Standard for AC power plugs (male) and sockets (female). The standard is used in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and several other Pacific island countries. In Argentina and China an almost-identical design is also used, but these are separate standards, despite their appearance. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) "world plugs" website defines this design as Plug Type I'.
NEMA connectors are power plugs and sockets used for AC mains electricity in North America and other countries that use the standards set by the US National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA wiring devices are made in current ratings from 15 to 60 amperes (A), with voltage ratings from 125 to 600 volts (V). Different combinations of contact blade widths, shapes, orientations, and dimensions create non-interchangeable connectors that are unique for each combination of voltage, electric current carrying capacity, and grounding system.
IEC 62196Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets – Conductive charging of electric vehicles is a series of international standards that define requirements and tests for plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets for conductive charging of electric vehicles and is maintained by the technical subcommittee SC 23H “Plugs, Socket-outlets and Couplers for industrial and similar applications, and for Electric Vehicles” of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
South African National Standard 164: Plugs and socket outlets for household and similar purposes for use in South Africa is the South African Bureau of Standards' standard for domestic AC power plugs and sockets. As a former British colony, South Africa's electricity standards are of British derivation, and it uses 220/230 V at 50 Hz AC.
Plugs and sockets for electrical appliances not hardwired to mains electricity originated in the United Kingdom in the 1870s and were initially two-pin designs. These were usually sold as a mating pair, but gradually de facto and then official standards arose to enable the interchange of compatible devices. British standards have proliferated throughout large parts of the former British Empire.
There are approximately 20 types in common use around the world, such as AC power plugs and sockets, and many obsolete socket types which are still found in older buildings.
CEE 7 is a standard for alternating-current plugs and sockets. First published in 1951 by the former International Commission on the Rules for the Approval of Electrical Equipment (IECEE), it unified standards produced by several continental European countries. The 2nd edition was published in 1963 and last updated in March 1983. It remains available from the IEC, but they state that "this standard shall not be used alone, it is to be used in addition to IEC 60884-1".
The IEC 62196 Type 3 connector is used for charging battery electric vehicles, mainly within France and Italy, as it was one of three AC plug standards described in IEC 62196-2. The Type 3 connector comes in two physical formats, Type 3A for single-phase (230V) and Type 3C for single- and three-phase (400V) alternating current (AC) power. Both have since been superseded by the Type 2 connector, the latter adopted as sole connector in 2013 by the European Union. The Type 1 connector is the corresponding AC connector standard used in North America, Japan, and South Korea.
1 2 IEC/TR60083 ed7.0: Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in member countries of IEC. International Electrotechnical Commission, October 2015. This 421-page technical report describes many national standards for domestic plugs and sockets. The first edition was published in January 1957. The 7th edition was approved in December 2012 and was published on 29 October 2015.
1 2 3 "IEC World Plugs". IEC World Plugs. International Electrotechnical Commission. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
1 2 "Standard Voltages". docs.cntd.ru. Archived from the original on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2014. Document gost-29322-92 via Google Translate: "The nominal voltages of the existing 220/380 and 240/415V networks should be gradually changed to the recommended value of 230/400V. Until 2003, as a first stage, power supply companies in countries with a 220/380V network should lead the voltage to The value of 230/400V (GOST29322-92 (IEC38-83) Standard voltage%). Electricity supply companies in regions with 240/415V network should also bring this voltage to the value 230/400V (GOST29322-92 (IEC38-83) Standard voltage%). After 2003, the range of 230/400V ± 10% should be reached. Then, the issue of reducing the limits will be considered."
↑ CSA Standard C22.2 No. 42-10: General use receptacles, attachment plugs, and similar wiring devices. Mississauga, Ontario: Canadian Standards Association. 2010. p.1.
↑ CAN3-C235-83: Preferred Voltage Levels for AC Systems, 0 to 50 000 V. Rexdale (Toronto), Ontario: Canadian Standards Association. 1983. p.9.
↑ C22.1-18: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1. Toronto, Ontario: Canadian Standards Association. 2018. p.243.
↑ I.S.401, "Safety requirements for rewirable and non-rewirable 13A fused plugs for normal and rough use having insulating sleeves on line and neutral pins", NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland), (1997), Dublin
↑ Voltan NominalArchived 12 February 2019 at the Wayback Machine . Malaysian Energy Commission Notice (Nominal Voltage - 2008-01-01). Retrieved on 2019-02-11
↑ "International Mains Voltages"(PDF). International Mains Voltages - Pooley Inc. SEW Eurodrive. Archived(PDF) from the original on 6 May 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
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