Plugs in the world
If you have traveled abroad or plan to do so in the future, it is important to know that plugs and sockets are not the same all over the world.
Each country has its own standard, which means you may need a plug adapter to be able to charge your electronic devices abroad. Here we tell you about the different types of plugs and their characteristics.
Types of plugs in the world
- Type A: This plug is mainly used in North America (United States and Canada) and Central America, as well as in some parts of South America, Asia and the Caribbean. It has two flat pins in parallel and is used with a voltage of 100-127 V.
- Type B: This plug is also used in North and Central America, as well as in parts of South America, Asia and the Caribbean. It has two flat pins in parallel and a third round or U-shaped pin. It is used with a voltage of 100-127 V.
- Type C: This plug is used in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. It has two round pins and is used with a voltage of 220-240 V.
- Type D: This plug is mainly used in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It has three round pins and is used with a voltage of 220-240 V.
- Type E & F: This plug is used in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. It has two round pins and a third round or U-shaped pin. It is used with a voltage of 220-240 V.
- Type G: This plug is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore, among other countries. It has three rectangular pins and is used with a voltage of 220-240 V.
- Type H: This type of plug is used in Israel, and has two round pins. It is compatible with a voltage of 230V.
- Type I: This plug is used in Australia, New Zealand, China and some parts of the South Pacific. It has two flat pins in parallel and a third V-shaped pin. It is used with a voltage of 220-240V.
- Type J: This type of plug is used in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It has three round pins in the shape of a triangle. It is compatible with a voltage of 230 V.
- Type K: This type of plug is used in Denmark and Greenland. It has two round pins in parallel and a third round pin at the top. It is compatible with a voltage of 230 V.
- Type L: This type of plug is used in Italy, Chile, Uruguay and some other countries. It has three round pins, two of which are in parallel and the third is at the top. It is compatible with a voltage of 230 V.
- Type M: This type of plug is used in South Africa, India, Pakistan and some other countries. It has three round pins, all in a straight line. It is compatible with a voltage of 220-240 V.
- Type N: This type of plug is used in Brazil and South Africa. It has three round pins, two of which are in parallel and the third is at the top. It is compatible with a voltage of 127-220 V.
- Type O: This type of plug is used in Thailand. It has two round pins in parallel and a third U-shaped pin. It is compatible with a voltage of 220V.
Why is it important to know the different types of plugs?
Knowing what type of plug is used in the country you are visiting is important because not all electronic devices work with the same voltage or type of plug. If you try to plug in a device that is not compatible with the voltage or plug type of the outlet, you could damage the device or even cause a short circuit.
Also, it is important to note that plug adapters do not convert the voltage of electricity, so if an electronic device operates on a different voltage than the voltage used in the country you are visiting, you will need a voltage converter.
