A guide to plugs and sockets by country

Phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and more... electronic devices are ubiquitous in today's modern world – and few people are traveling without an item that needs charging at some point. As such, it is useful to know the voltage and plug and socket types used in various destinations. To our knowledge, there are 15 types of household electrical sockets used around the world. Why so many, one might ask…or more to the point, which ones are found in which countries? Keep reading to find out – and your international trip will go that much more smoothly.

Why do countries use different socket outlets?

Why are there so many socket outlets? The short answer: Electrical systems. When the first modern power transmission grid was established in the United States, the voltage delivered to households was 110 volts (V). As other countries started creating power systems, adjustments were made to reduce costs and increase safety, thus generating a variety of sockets and plugs worldwide, as well as an interesting history with regard to electricity networks.

Using adapters and converters

A plug adapter allows devices to fit into different electrical outlets, while a converter adjusts the voltage from the outlet to match the voltage required by your device. The voltage and outlets and sockets in your country may differ from those in Türkiye. Turkish socket Types C and F have a voltage of 230 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz, while Canadian socket Types A and B have a voltage of 120 volts and a frequency of 60 Hz. If you’re traveling between Türkiye and Canada, you’ll probably need an adapter and, depending on the electronic item you’re traveling with, you may need a voltage converter. In most cases, items such as smartphones, laptops and tablets have dual voltage capability.

There’s a broad range of adapters and converters available, from voltage converters to travel adapters, so keep reading to find out if you need one and, if so, what you need!

Characteristics of plugs and sockets by country

Type A plug and socket

Type A plugs and sockets are most generally referred to as socket types in North and Central America, as well as Japan. Type A plugs and sockets (NEMA 1-15) differ significantly from the Turkish socket type. Type A plugs and sockets do not have a grounding wire and run at 15 amps (A), 100 – 127 volts and 60 Hz. Their length varies from 15.9 to 18.3 meters. They are not compatible with type C, G, I, L or N plugs.

Type B plug and socket

Type B plugs and sockets are variations of Type A that include a grounding line. So, unlike Type A sockets, they contain three threads. Type B, often known as “NEMA 5 – 15”, is the socket type used in the United States, Mexico, Japan and Canada. It is not widely used in the rest of the world. Type B, like Type A, does not fit C, G, I, L or N plugs.

Type C plug and socket

Type C, one of those found in Türkiye, is ubiquitous throughout Asia, Europe, and South America. As a result, it is easily distinguished as a European socket type. We are familiar with the two-prong configuration. Type C plugs and sockets, which operate at 2.5 A, 220 – 240 V and 50 Hz, are officially known as CEE 7/16. These are commonly seen on products such as televisions, chargers and radios, but are not appropriate for high voltage applications.

Type D plug and socket

Type D plugs and sockets feature three prongs that create a triangle. Type D, which also contains a grounding line, runs at 5 amps, 220 – 240 volts and 50 Hz. It is also ideal for high-voltage applications. It is officially known as “BS 546” and is commonly used in India, Sri Lanka, Namibia and Nepal. If you are traveling to a location where Type D plugs and sockets are widespread, remember to bring an adaptor that fits this system.

Type E plug and socket.

The 2-prong Type E plugs and sockets, known as the French socket type, are widely used in France, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Poland, Tunisia and the Czech Republic. They are also occasionally used in Türkiye. Type E, with a current rating of 16 A, runs between 220 and 240 volts. These also include an extra male terminal for the grounding wire. The official and standard name is CEE 7/4.

Type F plug and socket.

Type F plugs and sockets, which are most common in Europe, England and Russia, have a current rating of 16 A and a voltage range of 220 to 240 V. They are also commonly used in Türkiye. This two-pronged style, known as the German socket type (because it was designed by Germany after World War I), is also compatible with C and E plugs.

Type G plug and socket.

Type G plugs and sockets have three prongs arranged in a triangle configuration and an earthing wire. They are commonly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Type G plugs and sockets, commonly known as “BS 1363”, can handle voltages ranging from 220 to 240 volts and currents of up to 13 amps. They also typically have a 3A fuse for small items like computers and a 13A fuse for bigger appliances like heaters.

Type H plug and socket.

Type H plugs and sockets, frequently used in Palestine and Israel, have three round ends. This system operates at 16 A, 220 – 240 V and 50 Hz and is compatible with C and H Type plugs in Türkiye. It is partially compatible with Types E and F. There is also grounding in this system.

Type I plug and socket.

Type I plugs and sockets are widespread in Australia, New Zealand, China and Argentina. The two-threaded ones lack earthing, whereas the three-threaded ones do have an earthing line. This system is compatible solely with Type I plugs and operates at 10 amps, 220 – 240 volts and 50Hz.

Type J plug and socket.

This system, which is better recognizable as the socket type used in Liechtenstein and Switzerland, is also compatible with Type C plugs. J Type plugs and sockets with an operational range of 10 A, 220 – 240 V, 50 Hz include a grounding line. This system has three spherical ends and resembles a wide-angled “V” shape. In the Swiss standard SEV 1011, J Type with the official designation “SN 441011” is referred to as “Type 13 plug”.

Type K plug and socket.

If you are visiting Scandinavia, you may be interested to find out that Type K plugs and sockets are frequently used in Denmark and Greenland. In addition, this system functions at 16 amps, 220 – 240 volts and 50 Hz. This sort of Greenlandic and Danish socket with rounded ends also features a grounding wire. It also works with Type C plugs.

Type L plug and socket.

L-Type plugs and sockets with three side-by-side threads have a frequency of 50 Hz, an amperage rating of 10 A to 16 A, and a voltage range of 220 – 240 V. The 10- and 16-amp variants each have three round prongs that are 19 mm long. However, other dimensions differ depending on the version. Chile and Italy are notable examples of countries where these socket types are seen, but Uruguay and certain North African countries also utilize them. The formal name is CEI 23-16-VII.

Type M plug and socket.

These plugs and sockets are mainly used in South Africa. The M-Type plugs and sockets with three ends also have a grounding line. The operating values are 15 A, 220 – 240 V and 50 Hz. This system is comparable to Type D, which is widely used in India. However, it is incompatible with other systems and solely compatible with Type M plugs.

Type N plug and socket.

Type N cookers and sockets are primarily used in Brazil and South Africa. This three-end system comes in configurations that can handle amperage values ranging from 10 to 20 amps. The version used may vary by country and location. Type N, also known as “IEC 60906”, has a voltage range of 220 – 240 V.

Type O plug and socket.

This is a Thai socket type, with a 16 A, 220 – 240 V and 50 Hz range. Type O plugs and sockets, which have an earthing line, are also compatible with Type C plugs, but not fully compatible with E and F plug Types.

Is there a single plug or universal socket that works around the world?

As noted, standard plug and socket systems vary around the world; the different electrical systems in place across various countries and regions entail a range of plug and socket inputs. However, universal sockets are not entirely nonexistent. There are, in fact, sockets that are designed to support a variety of plug types, and these sockets are usually found in hotels and other establishments with a high volume of international tourists. However, a universal plug is not advised for everyday use due to potential hazards.