International sockets: Traveling Abroad? Know Your Outlet: A Guide to Socket Plugs Around the World
When traveling internationally, one of the most important things to consider is the type of socket plug you’ll need for your electronic devices. International sockets and plugs can be confusing for travelers because different countries and regions use different types. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the various types of international sockets and plugs used around the world and explain the differences between them.
International Sockets Types:
Type A – North American/Japanese Plug
The Type A socket plug, also known as the North American or Japanese plug, has two flat parallel blades and is rated for 15 amps. It is commonly used in North and Central America, Japan, and several other countries in the Caribbean and South America. Type A plugs are generally considered to be safe and reliable, but they can sometimes be difficult to use in older sockets that are worn or loose.
Type B – North American/Japanese Plug with Ground
The Type B socket plug is similar to the Type A plug, but it also has a round grounding pin that is offset from the blades. This type of plug is rated for 15 amps and is commonly used in North and Central America, Japan, and several other countries in the Caribbean and South America. Type B plugs are generally considered to be safe and reliable, but they can be difficult to use in older sockets that are worn or loose.
Type C – European Plug
The Type C socket plug, also known as the European plug, has two round prongs that are slightly different sizes. It is rated for 2.5 amps or 16 amps, depending on the specific country, and is commonly used in Europe, South America, Asia, and several other regions. Type C plugs are generally considered to be safe and reliable, but they do not have a grounding pin, which can be a concern in certain situations.
Type D – Indian Plug
The Type D socket plug, also known as the Indian plug, has three round prongs that form a triangular shape. It is rated for 6 amps and is commonly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and several other countries in Africa and Asia. Type D plugs are generally considered to be safe and reliable, but they do not have a grounding pin, which can be a concern in certain situations.
Type E – French/Belgian Plug
The Type E socket plug, also known as the French or Belgian plug, has two round prongs that are spaced slightly farther apart than the Type C plug. It is rated for 16 amps and is commonly used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and several other countries in Europe and Africa. Type E plugs are generally considered to be safe and reliable, but they do not have a grounding pin, which can be a concern in certain situations.
Type F – German/Schuko Plug
The Type F socket plug, also known as the German or Schuko plug, has two round prongs that are spaced slightly farther apart than the Type C plug. It also has two grounding clips on the sides that provide a secure connection to the socket. It is rated for 16 amps and is commonly used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and several other countries in Europe and South America. Type F plugs are generally considered to be safe and reliable and are often recommended for use with high-power devices.
Type G – British Plug
The Type G socket plug, also known as the British plug, has three rectangular prongs that form a triangular shape. It is rated for 13 amps and is commonly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, and several other countries in Africa and Asia.
Type H – Israeli Plug
The Type H socket plug, also known as the Israeli plug, has three prongs in a row, with the top and bottom ones being slightly shorter than the middle one. It is rated for up to 16 amps and can handle voltages up to 250 volts. The Type H plug is used mainly in Israel and Palestine, but it can also be found in some parts of Africa and Asia.
Type I – Australian Plug
The Type I socket plug, also known as the Australian plug, has two slanted prongs in a V-shape, with a grounding pin located at the bottom. It is rated for up to 10 amps and can handle voltages up to 240 volts. The Type I plug is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and several other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Type J – Swiss Plug
The Type J socket plug, also known as the Swiss plug, has three round prongs arranged in a row, with the top and bottom ones being slightly shorter than the middle one. It is rated for up to 10 amps and can handle voltages up to 250 volts. The Type J plug is used mainly in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, but it can also be found in some parts of Africa and Asia.
Type K – Danish Plug
The Type K socket plug, also known as the Danish plug, has three round prongs arranged in a triangular shape, with the top prong being larger than the others. It is rated for up to 16 amps and can handle voltages up to 250 volts. The Type K plug is used mainly in Denmark and Greenland, but it can also be found in some parts of Africa and Asia.
Type L – Italian Plug
The Type L socket plug, also known as the Italian plug, has three round prongs in a row, with the middle one being longer and thicker than the others. It is rated for up to 10 amps and can handle voltages up to 250 volts. The Type L plug is used mainly in Italy, Chile, and some parts of Africa.
Type M – South African Plug
The Type M socket plug, also known as the South African plug, has three round prongs in a triangular shape, with the top prong being larger than the others. It is rated for up to 16 amps and can handle voltages up to 250 volts. The Type M plug is used mainly in South Africa and some parts of Asia.
Type N – Brazilian Plug
The Type N socket plug, also known as the Brazilian plug, has three round pins in a triangular shape, with the top pin being slightly larger than the others. It is rated for up to 20 amps and can handle voltages up to 250 volts. The Type N plug is used mainly in Brazil and several other South American countries.
Type O – Thai Plug
The Type O socket plug, also known as the Thai plug, has three round prongs in a triangular shape, with the top prong being larger than the others. It is rated for up to 16 amps and can handle voltages up to 220 volts. The Type O plug is used exclusively in Thailand.
Understanding the different types of international sockets is essential for travelers and businesses operating in international markets. By being aware of these variations, you can ensure that your devices will be compatible with the electrical system in the country you are visiting or operating in.
If you are traveling abroad, and you want to know which type is used, visit this website.
