World Plug & Socket Types

Compare the 15 plug and socket systems used around the world, including pin layout, grounding, current rating, voltage range and common regions.

Overview of power plug and socket types used around the world

Find a plug type

Select a letter to jump directly to its reference card. Region codes indicate common use, not an exhaustive country list.

Type A plug and socket

Pins: 2 pins
Grounding: Not grounded
Current: 15 A
Typical voltage: 100–127 V
Socket compatibility: Type A

Type B plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 15 A
Typical voltage: 100–127 V
Socket compatibility: Types A and B

Type C plug and socket

Pins: 2 pins
Grounding: Not grounded
Current: 2.5, 10 or 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Type C

Type D plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 6 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Type D

Type E plug and socket

Pins: 2 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C, E and F

Type F plug and socket

Pins: 2 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C, E and F

Type G plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 13 A
Typical voltage: 220–250 V
Socket compatibility: Type G

Type H plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C and H

Type I plug and socket

Pins: 2 or 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded with 3 pins
Current: 10 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Type I

Type J plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 10 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C and J

Type K plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C and K

Type L plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 10 or 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C and L

Type M plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Type M

Type N plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 10, 16 or 20 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C and N

Type O plug and socket

Pins: 3 pins
Grounding: Grounded
Current: 16 A
Typical voltage: 220–240 V
Socket compatibility: Types C and O

Before connecting equipment abroad

An adapter changes the physical connection. It does not automatically convert voltage or frequency.

Identify the socket.Match the physical outlet with the Type A–O reference above.
Read the input label.Confirm the appliance accepts the local voltage and frequency.
Preserve grounding.Use an adapter or converter suitable for the equipment and its protective-earth requirements.

Reference scope: household and similar plug-and-socket systems. For formal national system details, consult IEC TR 60083 and current local requirements.