All Plug Types

There are currently 15 types of electrical plugs used around the world, each designated by a letter (A through O). Learn about each type's specifications and where they're used.

Type A power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type A

57 countries

NEMA 1-15

2 pins Ungrounded

Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins. This ungrounded plug is commonly used in …
Type B power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type B

51 countries

NEMA 5-15

3 pins Grounded

Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin. This is the …
Type C power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type C

146 countries

CEE 7/16 (Europlug)

2 pins Ungrounded

Type C plugs have two round pins. Also known as the Europlug, it's one of …
Type D power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type D

30 countries

BS 546

3 pins Grounded

Type D plugs have three large round pins in a triangular pattern. This is an …
Type E power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type E

41 countries

CEE 7/5

2 pins Grounded

Type E plugs have two round pins with a hole for the socket's grounding pin. …
Type F power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type F

75 countries

CEE 7/4 (Schuko)

2 pins Grounded

Type F plugs have two round pins with grounding clips on the sides. Also known …
Type G power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type G

63 countries

BS 1363

3 pins Grounded

Type G plugs have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Known for its built-in …
Type H power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type H

3 countries

SI 32

3 pins Grounded

Type H plugs are unique to Israel with three pins in a V-shape. Modern Type …
Type I power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type I

23 countries

AS/NZS 3112

3 pins Grounded

Type I plugs have two angled flat pins in a V-shape, plus a grounding pin. …
Type J power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type J

4 countries

SEV 1011

3 pins Grounded

Type J plugs have three round pins with the grounding pin offset from center. It's …
Type K power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type K

7 countries

DS 60884-2-D1

3 pins Grounded

Type K plugs have three round pins with the grounding pin positioned as a semicircular …
Type L power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type L

10 countries

CEI 23-50

3 pins Grounded

Type L plugs have three round pins in a row. There are two variants: 10A …
Type M power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type M

7 countries

BS 546 (15A)

3 pins Grounded

Type M plugs have three large round pins in a triangular pattern, larger than Type …
Type N power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type N

2 countries

IEC 60906-1

3 pins Grounded

Type N plugs have three round pins and come in 10A and 20A versions. Brazil's …
Type O power plug and wall outlet electrical socket

Type O

1 countries

TIS 166-2549

3 pins Grounded

Type O plugs have three round pins and are used exclusively in Thailand. Similar in …

Understanding Plug Types

15

Plug Types

Different electrical plug standards used worldwide

A-O

Letter Codes

Each type is designated by a letter from A through O

2-3

Pin Counts

Most plugs have either 2 or 3 pins/prongs

Grounding

Some types include a ground/earth pin for safety

Global Electrical Plug Standards

The world's electrical plug types are designated by letters A through O, with each type having unique physical characteristics and safety features. These standards were developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to help identify and categorize the various plug and socket systems used globally.

Key Differences Between Plug Types

The main differences between plug types include the number of pins (typically 2 or 3), the shape and size of the pins, pin spacing, and whether the plug includes grounding. Grounded plugs (with 3 pins) provide additional safety by directing excess electrical current to the ground.

  • Type A & B (American): Used primarily in North America, Central America, and parts of Asia. Type B includes a grounding pin.
  • Type C, E, F (European): Common throughout Europe and many other regions. Type C is ungrounded; E and F include grounding.
  • Type G (British): Used in the UK, Ireland, and many former British colonies. Known for its built-in fuse.
  • Type I (Australian/Chinese): Used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina.
  • Type J (Swiss): Unique to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Safety Considerations

Modern plug designs emphasize safety features like recessed sockets, shuttered outlets, and mandatory grounding for high-power appliances. The British Type G plug is often considered one of the safest designs due to its built-in fuse and insulated pins.

Frequently Asked Questions