Brazil Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Brazil, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type C (CEE 7/16 (Europlug), two round pins, ungrounded) and Type N (IEC 60906-1, three round pins in triangular pattern, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 127/220V and 60Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Brazil.
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Brazil uses:
Electrical Standards in Brazil: Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
The Brazil power plug landscape is somewhat unusual because the country runs on two different voltages depending on region: 127V and 220V, both at 60Hz. Brazil's national standard for AC power plugs and sockets is Type N, based on the international IEC 60906-1 specification and formally adopted as NBR 14136 in 2007, replacing the older mix of Types A, B, and C. In addition to Type N, the Europlug (Type C) is also commonly found and accepted, since its two round pins fit into Brazilian Type N sockets.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
Type N is a grounded plug, using three round pins arranged in a triangular pattern, with the grounding pin providing an earth connection for appliances that need one. There are two versions of Type N: a 10A variant with 4mm pins and a 20A variant with larger 4.8mm pins, and these are not interchangeable due to differing socket sizes. By contrast, the Type C Europlug is ungrounded and rated for a maximum of 2.5A, so it is only suitable for double-insulated, low-power electronics such as phone chargers, cameras, and small gadgets—not appliances like hair dryers or kettles that require grounding.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
Because Brazil uniquely operates Type N sockets at both 127V and 220V depending on the region, it's essential to check local voltage before plugging anything in. Most modern electronics, including phone and laptop chargers, are dual-voltage (rated 100-240V) and will handle either supply automatically without a converter. However, single-voltage appliances brought from a country with a different standard voltage may require a voltage converter to avoid damage.
Do You Need a Travel Adaptor for Brazil?
If your home country uses a plug type other than Type N or the compatible Type C Europlug, you will need a travel adaptor to fit Brazilian electrical outlet configurations. Travelers from regions using Type G, Type I, or other three-pin grounded standards should pack an adaptor specifically designed for Type N sockets, since the pin shape and spacing differ from most other grounded plug types. Those already carrying a Europlug-style charger may find it fits directly into Brazilian sockets, though without a grounding connection.
- A universal or Brazil-specific Type N travel adaptor
- A voltage checker or awareness of local regional voltage before plugging in appliances
- Dual-voltage electronics (100-240V rated) to avoid needing a separate voltage converter
- A grounded adaptor if using appliances that require an earth connection
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll need an adapter if your plug type isn't Type N or Type C, since Brazil's national standard is Type N with three round pins in a triangular pattern. Type C Europlugs fit directly into Type N sockets without an adapter, though they remain ungrounded. Travelers from countries with different plug shapes should bring a Type N-compatible adaptor.
Pack a Type N travel adaptor, since that's Brazil's official standard for AC power plugs and sockets. Dual-voltage electronics are also useful given that Brazil uses both 127V and 220V depending on region, and a Type C Europlug charger will work directly in Type N sockets for low-power devices.
Brazil uses 127V in some regions and 220V in others, both at 60Hz, so it's important to check local voltage before plugging in appliances. Type N sockets are rated for 100-240V, accommodating this regional variation. Always verify the voltage at your specific location rather than assuming a single national standard.
Yes, most phone chargers are dual-voltage and rated for 100-240V, so they can handle Brazil's 127V or 220V supply without a converter. A Type C Europlug or Type N adaptor is all you'll need to connect to a Brazilian electrical outlet. Just confirm your charger's voltage rating before traveling to be certain.
