Outlet and plug types vary by country. These differences are critically important for powering and charging electronic devices while traveling. In this article, we will examine plug and outlet standards and specify which countries use which types.
What Is an Outlet?
An outlet is a fixed connection point installed on walls or surfaces to transfer electrical energy from the power grid to electronic devices. Outlets deliver power to devices by ensuring electrical conductivity from the mains network.
What Is a Plug?
A plug is the component located at the end of an electrical cable that enables a device to receive electrical power when inserted into an outlet. Plugs transfer electrical energy according to the operating specifications and circuit sensitivity of the connected device. Plug and outlet types appear in many different forms. Below are the globally recognized standards.
Plug and Outlet Standards by Country
Type A Plug and Outlet
Type A outlets do not include a grounding conductor. These systems operate at 15 A, 60 Hz, and 100–127 V. They are widely used in Japan, Central America, and North America.
Type B Plug and Outlet
Type B plug and outlet systems include a grounding conductor and operate with 3 pins. These are used in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
Type C Plug and Outlet
Type C plug and outlet systems operate with 2 pins. They support 220–240 V, 50 Hz, and 2.5 A. These are widely used in Türkiye, Germany, the Netherlands, and many European countries. However, Type C outlets are not suitable for high-voltage or high-current industrial loads.
Type D Plug and Outlet
Type D systems operate with 3 pins and support 5 A, 220–240 V, 50 Hz. They are commonly used in India and are suitable for high-voltage loads.
Type E Plug and Outlet
Type E outlets support up to 16 A and operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz. These are used in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Belgium, and France. These models are also referred to as CEE 7/4 (official standard name).
Type F Plug and Outlet
Type F outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz. They are used in Türkiye, Spain, Russia, and some regions in Great Britain and Europe. These models are suitable for inductive loads such as transformers, motors, ballasts, and contactors.
Type G Plug and Outlet
Type G outlets operate at 220–240 V and support up to 13 A at 50 Hz. These are used in Cyprus, Great Britain, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Their official standard name is BS 1363.
Type H Plug and Outlet
Type H outlets include grounding and operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 16 A. These are used in Palestine and Israel.
Type I Plug and Outlet
Type I outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 10 A. These are used in Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and China. These models are not compatible with other plug types.
Type J Plug and Outlet
Type J outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 10 A and include grounding. They are compatible with Type C plugs. These are used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Rwanda.
Type K Plug and Outlet
Type K outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 16 A. These are used in Denmark, China, and Greenland. Their plug ends are semi-circular.
Type L Plug and Outlet
Type L outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 10–16 A and include grounding. Their official standard name is CEI 23-16/VII. These are used in Italy, Cuba, and Chile. These models are also compatible with Type C plugs.
Type M Plug and Outlet
Type M outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 15 A and include grounding. These are widely used in Africa and are not compatible with other plug types.
Type N Plug and Outlet
Type N outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 3 pins and include grounding. Their official standard name is IEC 60906. These are used in Brazil and South Africa.
Type O Plug and Outlet
Type O outlets operate at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 16 A and include grounding. These are used in Thailand and are compatible with Type C plugs.
Where Are Plug and Outlet Types Used in Türkiye?
Türkiye commonly uses Type C and Type F outlets and plug standards. In some regions, Type E outlets may also be seen, but these are not widespread. Türkiye’s plug standards align with most European countries.
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