List of plug connector standards. Types of electrical sockets and plugs in different countries An electrical plug consists of

One of components power supply systems - electrical outlet. These devices are found in every house, apartment, and every factory. They are even on the street. However, the modern range of sockets is so wide that it is better to know the main nuances before choosing.

A conventional electrical outlet consists of a plastic front panel and a dielectric base (heat-resistant plastic or ceramic) with contacts and connectors for connecting plug plugs. The plastic base is cheaper and more durable, ceramics are more expensive and more fragile. The number of contacts and their shape depends on the type of electrical outlet (single-phase or three-phase, with or without grounding) and the country in which it is used.

Contact materials

Electrical contacts can be made from several different materials:

brass (for rooms with normal humidity levels);
tinned brass (for high humidity);
bronze (for any operating conditions).

The most capricious are brass contacts without sputtering. The color of the metal is light yellow with a pronounced shine. In conditions of high humidity, they quickly oxidize, which leads to poor contact. Also, brass does not spring well, which is why the contact weakens over time. To eliminate this drawback, an electrical socket with brass contacts has additional spring petals that press the contact plates.

The base can be ceramic or plastic, the contacts can be brass and brass with sputtering, bronze

Tinned brass has a matte white color. Due to protective coating it oxidizes less, springs better and holds its shape. Such contacts are usually installed in electrical outlets intended for wet rooms and outdoors.

Electrical sockets with bronze contacts are rare, and they can be distinguished at a high price. Bronze contacts are also yellow, but matte and darker. Bronze contacts spring well and provide high-quality contact for a long time.

Ground contact

In addition to phase contacts, the socket may have a grounding contact. It is required when connecting:

powerful technology;
equipment that is demanding on the quality of power supply (electronically controlled);
equipment in the operating cycle of which water is used (for example, and).

In addition, electrical outlets with grounding must be installed in rooms with high humidity; outdoors - this is an electrical safety requirement. Having someone working means your and your family’s safety.

Sockets without grounding are permissible only in dry rooms, and you can plug them into simple devices such as table lamps, low-power oil heaters, convectors, etc. They are attractive due to their slightly lower price and smaller “depth,” which means that during installation you need to make smaller holes for them. But, no matter how attractive they may be, computers and complex equipment that consume little electricity but are demanding on the quality of power supply must be plugged into grounded sockets. In addition to protecting against electric shock, grounding also removes static, which can be fatal to electronics.

Connecting wires

Wires are connected to the contact plates using screws or screwless clamps (clamping contacts allow for quick connection without using a screwdriver).

Screw connections of sockets can be divided into two types:

With the ability to fasten the end of the wire in the form of a loop. Provides an ideal screw connection, so large is the area of contact between the conductor and the contact pad.
With the possibility of fastening only the straight end.

When installing sockets of the first type, it will take more time, since you need to make a loop (it is convenient to use pliers), completely unscrew the screws to put it on, and then twist the knot. With sockets of the second type, everything is simple - insert the stripped wire into the contact, and then tighten the screw with a screwdriver.

When using sockets, the contacts undergo a heating/cooling process, which leads to a gradual weakening of the screw contact. For this reason, screws must be tightened once every six months.

Electrical sockets with clamping fixation of conductors allow you to connect as quickly as possible. The stripped end of the wire is inserted into the socket until it stops. The socket has a spring-loaded clamp (spring-loaded contact) that clamps the conductor securely. Due to the elastic force of the spring, contact always remains good. Such terminals are also called automatic.

Leading world leaders (Legrand, Schneider-Electric, Simon and others) produce sockets and switches with both screw and screwless connections. By purchasing products from well-known brands, you can be confident that the screwless connection will ensure proper contact.

Since in modern homes sockets are often combined into blocks, for parallel connections a separate input of wires is provided - separate holes are provided for jumpers.

Classification of electrical outlets

Even such a simple device as an electrical outlet has many types and varieties. In addition to different materials, they can have different shapes and installation methods. There are models that are assembled into blocks of several pieces, equipped with a switch or other types of sockets. Let's talk about all these types of electrical outlets now.

By voltage and current

Electrical sockets are electrical installation products and they have their own technical characteristics: the voltage for which they are intended and the current that they can pass through for a long time. In terms of voltage they can be:

For single-phase networks with a voltage of 220-240 V. The most common type in our country.
For three-phase networks 380 V.
For single-phase networks with a voltage of 100-127 V. These are the standards that are used in Japan and the USA.

In our country, most single-phase sockets are installed for 220 V networks, but they also come in different types: they can pass current of different magnitudes through themselves. Conventional sockets are designed for a current of 10-16 A. To connect high-power household devices (electric stoves, hobs, storage boilers, etc.) you need sockets that can pass a current of 32 A, and sometimes more. For these cases, power electrical sockets are produced. They are large in size, use heat-resistant materials and more powerful contacts.

By installation type

The electrical outlet can be for hidden or open installation. They also say - internal/built-in and external/overhead. Electrical socket for hidden installation(internal) is installed in a hole specially made for it in a wall or other surface. After connection, the front panel is flush with the surface or protrudes just a couple of millimeters.

An electrical outlet for surface mounting (outdoor/surface) is attached to the wall or a special dielectric substrate, which is used if the base is flammable. Installation of such products is simpler, but the appearance is specific. Currently they are mainly used in . Sometimes overhead sockets can be seen in technical rooms, change houses, and garages. In those areas where there are strict requirements for appearance are practically not presented.

There are also retractable sockets that are successfully used in the kitchen. They can be built into the countertop, the bottom of a wall cabinet, the side of cabinet furniture, and even into the floor. Electrical sockets built into furniture are convenient and functional. You need to turn on a household appliance or device - open/lift the lid, sockets appear. There is no need, the lid is closed.

IP degree of protection

Electrical sockets also have such a technical characteristic as IP protection degree ( International Protection Marking. Translated from English - “international security codes”). It shows how protected the product is from moisture and dust. Electrical sockets can be designed for different operating conditions; accordingly, they are produced in housings with different degrees of protection. The most common types are:

with protection class IP 20. For rooms with normal conditions, with heating running in the cold season.
IP 21, IP22. They can be installed in rooms without heating, or outdoors under canopies.
IP43, IP44. In rooms with high humidity, near water sources (waterproof sockets).
IP 54, IP 55. Can be placed outdoors in the open air.

It is unlikely that you will be able to find sockets with a higher degree of protection in ordinary stores, but these also meet all the requirements for an apartment or private house.

The IP degree of protection is indicated in the technical specifications, and the scope of application is indicated in the description

An electrical outlet for outdoor installation may also be equipped with a protective cover that protects the contacts from dust getting inside. Such products can be installed in swimming pools, bathhouses and other rooms with high humidity.

By the number of slots in one housing

A different number of sockets can be placed in one housing. If there are two or more sockets, such products are called socket blocks. They can also have built-in switches or sockets of other types - for connecting the Internet, for example, a USB cable, etc.

The following socket options are often found:

In modern new buildings, they use blocks consisting of several single internal sockets, which are given integrity using a common frame. As a rule, each socket is installed in its own round socket box.

To install socket blocks, universal rectangular socket boxes can be used, which in many cases is more convenient than using round socket boxes.

Electrical outlets with additional options

There are electrical outlets in every home, office, and workplace. They are even found in outbuildings and free-standing toilets. And it is not surprising that manufacturers are trying to diversify their range. There are some very interesting options.

There are sockets with lighting - LEDs light up when the plug is connected, and there are also ones with funny faces

With power monitoring functions

When overhauling wiring or when laying new networks, lines are laid along modern requirements— through circuit breakers, with the installation of RCDs, stabilizers, etc. on the required lines. But there are many homes in which the wiring is several decades old. It is quite functional, but the only means of protection and control are a couple of plugs or automatic machines at the entrance to the house/apartment. Safety problems can be solved, at least for the most sensitive and expensive devices, by installing an electrical outlet with voltage control or an RCD.

Electrical socket with built-in RCD. Powerful household appliances should be connected to dedicated lines, on which there should be circuit breakers and RCDs. If there is nowhere to install them in the panel, you can install an electrical outlet with an RCD. When a leakage current appears in the line or on a connected device (occurs due to an insulation breakdown or if someone touches exposed live wires), the protection will operate and the RCD will turn off the power.

With overvoltage protection. Our networks often experience power surges. If there is no general or local voltage stabilizer, and the equipment connected to the outlet will be sensitive to the quality of the power supply and expensive, you can install an outlet with surge protection. When the threshold voltage is exceeded (in different models different threshold, but usually it is 275 V) the power is turned off.

Sockets with surge protection relays are a useful feature for sensitive equipment

With increased ease of use

“Advanced” models of electrical outlets provide additional features, which can solve many problems.

With timer. Convenient thing. You turn on some device, set the time after which it needs to be turned off and that’s it. At the right moment, a special mechanism will open the contact and the device will turn off.

Electrical sockets with timer - mechanical and electronic

The simplest sockets are with a mechanical timer (pictured above on the left), but there are also electronic ones. And the electronic one can also be programmable, in which you can set a schedule for turning on and off.

With extension. We often encounter the need to use an extension cord. You can use a regular one, but there are sockets with a built-in extension cord. Of course, you need a large cavity in the wall for them, but you will never lose such an extension cord, i.e. the storage problem is solved. When folded, the cord is wound onto a drum hidden in the wall, and the socket is used as usual. You need an extension cord - just pull it, if not - pull it a little towards you and the wire will rewind.

In addition to regular extension cords, there are models with an extension cord and a tee. One socket remains on the wall, two are moved on a cord. It's also a convenient thing.

Childproof

There are two types of childproof electrical outlets. In one, the holes into which the fork is inserted are closed with protective curtains, which are retracted only if pressure is applied to both curtains at the same time. Moreover, you need to press with a certain amount of force, which a small child is simply not able to develop. An electrical outlet with protective curtains does not cost much more than a regular one, but it is reliable protection from children.

Electrical outlet with child protection - you can use more than just plugs

The second type of electrical outlets with child protection is with rotating curtains. To insert a plug into such a socket, you need to pry the curtains with the pins of the plug and turn them to a certain angle. Then the holes in which the contacts are located will open.

Design features

Electronics and electronic devices are increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives. About the system " smart House“Everyone has probably heard it already. But probably few people know that there are electrical sockets that can be controlled from a mobile phone. Using a smart socket, you can, for example, remotely turn on and off an electric fireplace in your country house. You can also turn off the iron if you accidentally left it on when leaving home.

There are other, not so exotic models.

With USB port (connector). We already have so many electronic devices that need recharging that it is necessary to organize separate socket blocks for them or install USB hubs. Another option is to install an outlet with a USB port/connector or several. In one building there can be from one to four or five.

Combined with a switch. Not only several sockets, but also switches can be installed in one housing. Since the installation height of switches has recently been low - at the level of the lowered hand (85-95 cm from the floor), sockets there are quite appropriate. And through such models you can turn on the lamps. For example, wall sconces or lamps on bedside tables. It will be convenient to turn the lighting on/off, and there will also be somewhere to connect the charger.

With lids. There are also sockets with protective covers. They are often placed outdoors or in a dusty room to prevent dust and dirt from settling on the contacts. Most often they are found with lift-up lids, which are raised when you need to turn on the device - the lid remains raised until you pull out the cord. The lid itself may or may not be transparent.

There are rotary models in which the lid opens to the side, like a door (in the figure above on the right). And it opens only to insert a plug. Then the lid can be closed, since there is a special recess for the cord. Such “draconian” measures are needed for places with very dusty production.

Not only that in different countries Household networks have different voltages, many of them have specially shaped sockets. Before your trip, you need to find out what type of socket is in the country in order to buy the appropriate adapter. Of course, they are there, but in an unfamiliar place they can be difficult to find.

In many European countries, the sockets used are the same as ours, but almost everywhere they are with protective grounding. European standard sockets are used in the following countries:

Germany;
Spain;
Czech Republic;
Poland;
Bulgaria;
Belgium;
Hungary;
Lithuania;
Latvia;
Slovenia;
Sweden.

There is no news here: the plug and socket are familiar to us, no adapters are needed. In other European countries, electrical installation products have their own standards. But in stores you can find adapters to the European standard, and in modern buildings two types of sockets are often installed, since appliances with plugs of both types are used.

In some European Union countries, electrical outlets of a different type are installed. Basically, they have three plugs in the plugs, respectively, three holes in the sockets. The plug to which the protective grounding is connected can be of the same shape as the phase ones, or have a different cross-section. In Italy, plugs have three plugs (phase, neutral and ground) - they have the same size and shape and are located in one line close to each other, the “ground” plug is the middle one. This type of sockets and plugs is called type L.

In Switzerland there are also three round plugs, but the middle ground one is located lower and all three contacts form a triangle - this is the N type socket.

The picture is similar in India, but the grounding contact has a larger cross-section and is located slightly lower than in Swiss sockets - the triangle turns out to be equilateral (type K).

In the USA, Canada, Philippines, Thailand and Japan, plugs have rectangular pins for phase wires and semicircular pins for connecting protective grounding. They are located at the vertices of the triangle. In the UK, the pins are also rectangular, but they are thicker and have a different orientation in space (type G). Rectangular but thinner pins in Australia, New Zealand and China. The sockets there are the same, type I.

If you are primarily interested in quality, then we advise you to pay attention to the products of leading European brands:

Legrand (France);
Schneider-Electric (France);
Simon (Spain);
Merten (Germany);
GIRA (Germany);
ABB (Germany);
FEDE (Spain);
Bticino (Italy);
JUNG (Germany);
ELSO (Germany);
Vimar (Italy).

Particularly popular in Russia are sockets and switches from the French company Legrand, and specifically the Valena series - quality at a reasonable price. Schneider-Electric's popular Grossa and Unica series are popular.

To connect all kinds of household appliances, lighting equipment and other devices that use electricity in its various forms, there is a plug connection. One of the components was an electrical outlet, the second was a plug. The rapid development of the market for household appliances and electronics has caused increased loads on home power supply networks. For protection against electric shock there are various devices. Including grounding plug.

Types of plugs

The division is simple: collapsible or monolithic. Regardless of the form, the content and purpose are the same. Each plug connector is designed to connect a consumer to an electrical current supplier - a socket.

Non-separable devices are more popular due to their convenience and reliability. Elasticity allows you not to worry about breaking the wire in case of a jerk. The solidity of the structure prevents moisture from getting inside, and therefore from short circuit and oxidation. A common fault is kinking at the base of the connector. Unlike collapsible forks, such products cannot be repaired.

Main settings

Each device has its own individual characteristics. But there are features that distinguish one fork from another. There are several such details:

The number of contacts is two or three. For example, equipment intended for use in Europe has two pins, while American equipment has three.
They have a wide variety of shapes: from flat to polygonal.
Connection standard.

Grounded plug and its design

The safety factor is decisive in the production of electrical equipment. All developments and improvements are aimed at this. One such introduction was the grounding plug. In the Soviet years, residential buildings did not have grounding loops, so the average person had no idea about this voltage protection system. It was enough to disassemble the socket or plug and connect two wires.

Now all new equipment is equipped with connectors of the new standard with a third, grounding connector. New buildings are delivered in accordance with the requirements, with the arrangement of separately connected land. The main part of any plug is the contacts. They come in steel or copper, and are also plated with zinc, tin or nickel.

There are three of them in an electrical plug with grounding:

Main standards

Since there is no single standard for powering electrical appliances on the planet, there are also many types of plug connections . All states use two different types power supply:

A voltage of 110-127 V and a frequency of 60 hertz are used in American countries.
220-240 V, 50 hertz - European model.

In most countries, one type of voltage is accepted, but there are exceptions when both are used. In total, there are 14 standard connection types, plus special plugs for some equipment to prevent household voltage from entering it, for example, a wired radio connector.

Type A connector

Similar compounds are used in North and Central American countries and in Japan. The opposing pins in the Japanese plug are identical, in the American one - one is thicker, to maintain polarity. The second name of the US standard Class II. It is interesting that an Asian plug will fit into an American socket without any problems, but doing the opposite without a special groove will not work.

Class B standard

Powerful home devices that consume current up to 15 amperes in the same countries have this type of connection. It is sometimes called Class I, and the international classifier gives the label NEMA 5-15. This is the same as the previous view, only with a ground pin. In the American wilderness, type A connectors are still found, but in most cases the entire territory switches to standard B.

You won’t be able to find a device on sale that plugs the plug into a socket using the outdated method. In old buildings, new devices with a sawed-off grounding contact are not uncommon.

Connector class C

Most of Europe used connectors of this standard. International name CEE 7 / 16. In the republics Soviet Union They used plugs that are still called Soviet plugs to this day. In accordance with the latest requirements in the field of electrical safety, Europeans have mastered new standards. For ease of use of the old household appliances, its plugs fit into new sockets, but modern plugs do not fit into old ones.

Plugs of other standards

The following connection systems are divided into smaller groups. They are subject to their own regional methodology, but many of them are partially compatible. Depending on nationality, there is the following breakdown:

In order to avoid confusion in combinations, it is necessary to develop a unified standard and requirements for voltage and frequency of electric current. This is a matter of huge financial costs, because it will have to be redrawn energy systems most states.

Domestic devices

All devices manufactured in our country and officially imported must be equipped with standard C plugs in accordance with GOST 7396. 1-89. All data is applied to its body. These are the current, frequency and voltage limits. At the moment, such plugs are divided into two groups:

Plug according to international classification CEE 7 / 16, or C 5. Contact diameter is 4 millimeters. They are isolated from the housing and are designed for currents up to 6 amperes (total load 1.3 kilowatts). No grounding is provided.
Corresponding to category CEE 7/17, the plug belongs to class C 6. Its pins are thicker (4.8 millimeters) and the current it can withstand is higher - 10 amperes, which corresponds to 2.2 kilowatts of load. There is a ground contact.

You can take into account the devices in use with old, standard C1 - b, plugs. They are not equipped with ground and are equipped with pins 6 mm thick.

Such an important element of the electrical circuit cannot be connected without taking into account the characteristics of the device being connected and the capabilities of the plug itself. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, choose better product with the ability to connect grounding, as more and more objects with a ready-made circuit and a three-pole socket are appearing in our country.

List of plug standards

The two most common standards in the world are voltage and frequency. One of them is the American standard 110-127 Volt 60 Hertz, together with plugs A and B. The other standard is the European standard, 220-240 Volt 50 Hertz, plugs types C - M.

Most countries have adopted one of these two standards, although transitional or unique standards are sometimes found. On the map we can see in which countries certain standards are used.

Voltage/Frequency.

Types of forks.

Types currently in use

Electrical plugs and sockets vary from country to country in shape, size, maximum current rating, and other features. The type used in each country is fixed by law by the adoption of national standards. In this article, each type is designated by a letter from a US government publication.

Type A

Non-polarized Type A plug

NEMA 1-15 (North American 15 A/125 V, ungrounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 1-15

Unusual American 5-socket Type A block, circa 1928

This type of plug and receptacle, with two flat parallel non-coplanar (not in the plane of the plug body) blades and slots, is used in most North American countries and on the east coast of South America, with devices that do not require grounding, such as lamps and small devices with double isolation. This type is accepted by 38 countries outside North America and standardized in the US by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). NEMA 1-15 receptacles have been banned in new buildings in the US and Canada since 1962, but remain in many older homes and are still sold for renovation. Type A plugs are still very common because they are compatible with Type B sockets.

Initially, the contacts of the plug and the slot of the socket were same height, and the plug could be inserted into the outlet in any orientation. Modern plugs and sockets are polarized with a wider neutral contact so that the plug can only be inserted the correct way. Polarized Type A plugs will not fit into non-polarized Type A receptacles because both slots in the receptacle are equally narrow. However, both non-polarized and polarized Type A plugs fit into a polarized Type A receptacle and a Type B receptacle. Some devices that do not care about the location of the live and neutral wires, such as sealed power supplies, are still manufactured with non-polarized Type A plugs (both blades are narrow ).

Japanese socket with grounding plug, for washing machine.

JIS C 8303, Class II (Japanese 15 A/100 V, ungrounded)

The Japanese plug and socket are identical to NEMA 1-15 type. However, Japan has stricter fork body sizing requirements, different labeling requirements, and requires mandatory testing and Ministry approval. International Trade and industry (Ministry of International Trade and Industry, MITI) or JIS.

Many Japanese sockets and extension cords are non-polarized—the slots in the sockets are the same size—and only accept non-polarized plugs. Japanese plugs will generally fit most North American outlets without issue, but polarized North American plugs may require an adapter or replacement to fit into older Japanese outlets. However, the mains voltage in Japan is 100V, and the frequency in the east is 50Hz rather than 60Hz, so North American devices can be connected to the Japanese network, but proper operation is not guaranteed.

Type B

NEMA 5-15 (North American 15 A/125 V, grounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 5-15

A type B fork has, in addition to parallel flat blades, a round or letter-shaped blade U grounding terminal (US NEMA 5-15/Canadian CSA 22.2, _ 42). It is rated for a current of 15 Amps and a voltage of 125 Volts. The grounding contact is longer than the phase and neutral contacts, which means that the grounding connection is guaranteed before the power is turned on. Sometimes both power pins on Type B plugs are narrow because the ground pin prevents the plug from being plugged in incorrectly, but the slots in the socket are different sizes to accommodate correct connection Type A plugs. If the ground pin is located at the bottom, the phase will be on the right.

The 5-15 socket is the standard throughout North America (Canada, USA and Mexico). True, Mexico also uses Japanese-style sockets. The 5-15 socket is also used in central America, the Caribbean, northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and parts of Brazil), Japan, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.

In some parts of the US, new buildings are now required to install electrical outlets with protective curtains to prevent foreign objects from being inserted into them.

A 5-20R receptacle with a neutral T-slot installed with the ground pin facing up.

In theaters this connector is sometimes called PBG(Parallel Blade with Ground, parallel knives with the ground), Edison or Hubbell, by the name of the main manufacturer.

NEMA 5-20 (North American 20 A/125 V, grounded) according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type A 5-20

In new residential areas, since about 1992, 20-amp T-slot receptacles accept both 15-amp parallel-blade plugs and 20-amp plugs.

JIS C 8303, Class I (Japanese 15 A/100 V, grounded)

Japan also uses a Type B plug, similar to the North American one. However, it is less common than its type A equivalent.

Type C

Plug and socket CEE 7/16

(Not to be confused with three-pin IEC connectors C13 and C14)

CEE 7/16 (Europlug (Europlug) 2.5 A/250 V, without grounding), according to GOST 7396 .1-89 - type C5 option II

For more information on this topic, see: Europlug.

This two-pin plug is known in Europe as Europlug (Europlug, not to be confused with Schuko, which is called Europlug in Russia). The plug is not grounded and has two 4mm round prongs that usually meet slightly towards their free ends. It can be inserted into any socket that accepts 4mm diameter round pins spaced 19mm apart. It is described in CEE 7/16 and also defined in the Italian standard CEI 23-5 and the Russian standard GOST 7396.

The Europlug is equipped with class II devices throughout continental Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Germany, Greenland, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia). It is also used in the Middle East, most African countries, South America (Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Chile), Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan) as well as in the former Soviet republics and many developing countries. It is also used in many countries along with the BS 1363 plug, especially the former British colonies.

This plug is designed for a current of 2.5 A. Since it is non-polarized, it can be inserted into the socket in any position, so the phase and neutral are connected randomly.

The spacing and length of the pins allow it to be safely plugged into most sockets CEE 7/17, type E (French), type H (Israeli), CEE 7/4 (Schuko), CEE 7/7, type J (Swiss), type K ( Danish) and type L (Italian).

Fork CEE 7/17

CEE 7/17 (German-French 16 A/250 V, ungrounded), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type C6

This plug also has two round prongs, but they are 4.8mm in diameter, like the E and F types. The plug has a round plastic or rubber base that prevents it from being plugged into the small Europlug sockets. The plug fits only into large round sockets for types E and F. The plug has both a hole for the grounding pin and contact strips for the side contacts. The plug is used in conjunction with class II devices designed for high operating current (vacuum cleaners, hair dryers), and in South Korea - with any household appliances that do not require grounding. It is also defined in the Italian standard CEI 23-5. Can be inserted into an Israeli H-type socket, although this is not recommended as they are designed for smaller diameter pins.

Hybrid E/F type

CEE 7/7 plug

CEE 7/7 (French-German 16 A/250 V, with grounding), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type C4

To be compatible with types E and F, a CEE 7/7 plug has been developed. It is polarized when used with a type E socket, but in type F sockets the connection between the phase and neutral wires is not observed. The plug is rated for 16 A. It has grounding clamps on both sides for connection to a CEE 7/4 socket outlet and a female contact for the grounding pin of a Type E socket outlet. Appliances supplied to countries using the E or F standard are supplied with this type of plug.

Type G

BS 1363 (British 13 A/230-240 V 50 Hz, earthed, fused), according to GOST 7396.1-89 - type B2

Plug according to British standard 1363. This type is used not only in the UK, but also in Ireland, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Cyprus, Malta, Gibraltar, Botswana, Ghana, Hong Kong, Macau (Macao) , Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Mauritius, Iraq, Kuwait, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. BS 1363 is also the standard for some former British colonies in the Caribbean such as Belize, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. It is also used in Saudi Arabia in 230V appliances, although 110V appliances with a NEMA connector are more common.

This plug, commonly known as a "13-amp plug", is a large plug with three rectangular prongs forming a triangle. The phase and neutral contacts are 18 mm long and spaced 22 mm apart. 9mm of insulation at the base of the pins prevents accidental contact with exposed conductor when the plug is partially inserted. The ground pin is approximately 4 x 8 mm and approximately 23 mm long.

The plug has a built-in fuse. It is needed to protect the supply wire, as in the UK ring wiring is used, protected only by a central fuse, usually 32A. Any fuse can be inserted into the plug, but according to safety requirements it must be designed for the maximum current of the device being protected. The fuse is 1 inch (25.4 mm) long in accordance with British Standard BS 1362. Connections to sockets are made with the neutral wire on the left and the live wire on the right (looking at the front of the socket), so that a blown fuse in the plug breaks the live wire. The same convention is used for all UK sockets connected directly to the 'mains' wiring.

British Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) require socket outlets in homes to have a shutter on the live and neutral openings to prevent anything other than electrical plugs from being inserted. The shutters open when a longer ground pin is inserted. The curtains also prevent the use of plugs of other standards. Plugs for Class II devices that do not require grounding have a grounding pin that is often made of plastic and serves only to open the shutters and comply with the phase and neutral connection rules. It is generally possible to open the shutters with the blade of a screwdriver to accommodate a Type C plug (but not the BS 4573 British razor plug) or other types of plugs, but this is dangerous as these plugs do not have a safety lock and may jam in the socket.

BS 1363 plugs and sockets began appearing in 1946, and the BS 1363 standard was first published in 1947. By the late 1950s it had replaced the earlier Type D BS 546 in new devices, and by the late 1960s Type D devices were converted to Type BS 1363. Socket outlets often have phase switches for convenience and safety.

Type H

Two Israeli plugs and one socket. On the left is the old standard fork, on the right is the modernization of 1989.

SI 32 (Israeli 16 A/250 V, with grounding)

This plug, defined in SI 32 (IS16A-R), is not found anywhere except Israel and is not compatible with other types of sockets. It has three flat pins arranged in the shape of the letter Y. The phase and neutral are spaced 19 mm apart. The H-type plug is designed for 16A current, but in practice, the thin flat pins can cause the plug to overheat when connecting high-power devices. In 1989 the standard was revised. Now three round 4mm pins are used, placed in the same way. Receptacles manufactured since 1989 accept both flat and round prongs to accommodate both types of plugs. This also allows you to connect type H sockets to type C plugs, which are used in Israel for ungrounded devices. Older sockets, circa 1970s production, have both flat and round holes for the phase and neutral to accept both Type C and H plugs. As of 2008, Type H sockets, which accept only older Type H plugs, very rare in Israel.

This plug is also used in areas controlled by the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Type I

Australian 3 pin double socket with switches

AS/NZS 3112 (Australasian type 10 A/240 V)

For more information on this topic see: AS 3112.

This type of plug, used in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Argentina and Papua New Guinea, has a grounding pin and two flat power contacts in an inverted V shape. The flat blades measure 6.5 mm × 1.6 mm and are mounted under an angle of 30° to the vertical with a nominal distance between them of 13.7 mm. Australian and New Zealand wall sockets almost always have switches for added safety, just like in England. An ungrounded version of this plug, with two angled power pins but no grounding pin, is used with small double-insulated appliances, but wall outlets always have three pins, including the grounding pin.

There are several variants of the AS/NZS 3112 plug, including a version with a wider grounding pin, used by devices with current consumption up to 15 A; Receptacles that support this contact also support 10-amp plugs. There is a 20 Amp version, with all three pins oversized, as well as 25 and 32 Amp options, with the pins larger than the 20 Amp plug, forming an inverted "L" for 25A and a horizontal "U" for 32A . These outlets accept plugs rated at or below the maximum amperage rating, but not plugs rated at higher amperages. For example, a 10A plug will fit into all sockets, but a 20A plug will only fit into 20, 25, and 32A sockets).

The Australasian standard plug/socket system was originally called the C112 standard (originating in 1937 as a temporary solution, adopted as a formal standard in 1938), which was replaced by the AS 3112 standard in 1990. As of 2005, the last significant change is AS/NZS 3112:2004, which requires insulation on supply contacts. However, it is permitted to use equipment and cables manufactured before 2003.

Chinese sockets accepting type A, C (top) and I (bottom, standard) plugs

China Compulsory Certification Mark (CCC)

CPCS-CCC (Chinese 10 A/250 V), according to GOST 7396 .1-89 - type A10-20

Although Chinese sockets have 1mm longer pins, they can accept Australasian plugs. The standard for Chinese plugs and sockets is established by documents GB 2099.1-1996 and GB 1002-1996. As part of China's commitment to join the WTO, a new certification system, CPCS (Compulsory Product Certification System), has been introduced, and corresponding Chinese plugs receive the CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark. The plug has three contacts, grounding. Rated at 10A, 250V and used in Class 1 devices.

In China, sockets are installed the other way around, upside down, compared to Australasian ones.

China also uses US-Japanese Type A plugs and sockets for Class II devices. However, the voltage between the contacts of a Chinese socket is always 220V, regardless of the type of plug.

IRAM 2073 (Argentine 10A/250V)

The Argentinean plug has three contacts, grounding, and is designed for a current of 10A, voltage of 250V. The standard is defined by the Argentine Institute of Standardization and Certification (Instituto Argentino de Normalización y Certificación, IRAM) and is used with Class 1 devices in Argentina and Uruguay.

This fork is similar in appearance to Australasian and Chinese forks. The pin length is the same as the Chinese version. The most important difference from the Australasian plug is that the phase and neutral are connected to it in reverse.

Type J

Type J plugs and sockets

SEV 1011 (Swiss type 10 A/250 V)

Switzerland has its own standard, described in document SEV 1011. (ASE1011/1959 SW10A-R) This plug is similar to the Euro plug type C (CEE 7/16), except that it has an offset ground pin and no pins. insulated sleeves so that plugs that are not fully inserted into non-recessed receptacles present a risk of electric shock. Sockets used in kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas are recessed, but those in other places are not. Some plugs and adapters have tapered ends and can be used anywhere, while others only fit into non-recessed outlets. Swiss sockets accept Swiss plugs or Euro plugs (CEE 7/16). There is also an ungrounded two-pin version with the same shape, dimensions and live-to-neutral spacing as the SEV 1011, but with a flatter hexagonal shape. The plug fits round and hexagonal Swiss sockets and CEE 7/16 sockets. Designed for current up to 10 A.

A less common version has 3 square contacts and is rated at 16 A. Above 16 A, the equipment must either be connected to the mains in a permanent way, with suitable branch protection, or connected using a suitable industrial connector.

Type K

Danish 107-2-D1, standard DK 2-1a, with round power pins and semi-circular ground pin

Danish computer socket, with rotated flat pins and semi-circular ground pin (used mainly for professional equipment), standard DK 2-5a

Section 107-2-D1 (Danish 10 A/250 V, grounded)

This Danish standard plug is described in Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard sheet (SRAF1962/DB 16/87 DN10A-R). The plug is similar to the French Type E, except that it has a grounding pin instead of a grounding hole (it's the other way around in a socket). This makes the Danish socket more discreet than the French socket, which appears as a depression in the wall to protect the ground pin from damage and from touching the power pins.

The Danish socket also accepts Europlug type C CEE 7/16 or type E/F CEE 7/17 Schuko-French hybrid plug. Type F CEE 7/4 (Schuko), E/F CEE 7/7 (Schuko-French hybrid), and Type E grounded French plug will also fit into this outlet, but should not be used for devices that require a grounding contact. Both plugs are rated at 10A.

The variant (standard DK 2-5a) of the Danish plug is intended only for interference-proof computer sockets. It fits into the corresponding computer socket and the normal K-type socket, but the normal K-type plugs are intentionally made to not fit into the dedicated computer socket. This plug is often used in companies, but very rarely at home.

There is also an option for medical equipment, with a rectangular left pin. It is often used in life support systems.

Traditionally, all Danish sockets were equipped with a switch to prevent touching live contacts when connecting/disconnecting the plug. Today, the use of sockets without switches is permitted, but such sockets must have a recess that protects a person from touching live contacts. However, usually the shape of the plug makes it very difficult to touch the contacts when connecting/disconnecting.

Since the early 1990s, earthed sockets have become mandatory in all new electrical installations in Denmark. Old sockets do not need to be grounded, but from 1 July 2008 all sockets, including old ones, must be protected by an RCD (HFI in Danish terminology).

Since 1 July 2008, type E (French, two-pin, earthing pin) wall sockets have been permitted in Denmark. This was done because equipment with K-type plugs was not sold to individuals and to break the monopoly of Lauritz Knudsen, the only company making K-type plugs and sockets.

Schuko type F sockets will not be permitted. The reason is that most plugs currently used in Denmark will get stuck in a Schuko socket. This can damage the socket. This may also cause poor contact, with the risk of overheating and fire. Broken F sockets can often be seen in German hotels frequented by Danes. Many international travel adapters are sold outside Denmark with plugs conforming to types C CEE 7/16 (Europlug) and E/F CEE 7/7 (Franco-Schuko hybrid) that can be used in Denmark.

Type L

Plug and socket 23-16/VII

A visual comparison of Italian type L plugs rated at 16 Amps (left) and 10 Amps (right).

Italian electrical installation with sockets of both types L (16 A on the left; 10 A on the right).

CEI 23-16/VII (Italian type 10 A/250 V and 16 A/250 V)

The Italian standard for earthed plug/socket outlets, CEI 23-16/VII, includes two models, 10 A and 16 A, differing in pin diameter and pin spacing (see details below). Both are symmetrical and allow you to connect the phase with the neutral in any way.

The double standard was adopted because in Italy, until the second half of the 20th century, electricity for lighting ( Luce= lighting) and for other purposes ( Forza= force, electromotive force; or Uso Promiscuo= general purpose) were sold at different tariffs, with different taxes, were considered separate meters, and were transmitted over different wires ending in different sockets. Although both electric lines (and the corresponding tariffs) were combined in the summer of 1974, many homes remained double-wired and double-metered for many years. Thus, two sizes of plugs and sockets became the de facto standard, still in use today and standardized in document CEI 23-16/VII. Older products are often equipped with one of the standard sockets, either 10 A or 16 A, requiring the use of an adapter to connect the other size plug.

Ungrounded Euro plugs CEE 7/16 (type C) are also widely used; they are standardized in Italy as CEI 23-5 and are suitable for most devices with low current requirements and double insulation.

Devices with CEE 7/7 plugs are also often sold in Italy, however, not every socket can accept them, since the pins of CEE 7/7 plugs are thicker than Italian ones. Adapters are cheap and are often used to connect CEE 7/7 plugs to CEI 23-16/VII sockets, but the rated current requirement is often violated (16A instead of 10A), which can lead to an unsafe connection in some cases.

CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 10 A/250 V)

The 10-amp variety extends the CEE 7/16 by adding a center ground pin of the same size. Therefore, CEI 23-16-VII 10 Amp sockets can accept CEE 7/16 Europlugs. This type of plug is shown in the first picture.

CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 16 A/250 V)

The 16 amp looks like a larger version of the similarly shaped 10 amp. However, the pins are 5 mm thick, with a distance between them of 8 mm (the 10A version has a distance of 5.5 mm), and are 7 mm longer. The packaging of these plugs in Italy may claim that they are of the “Northern European” type. In the past they were also called per la forza motrice(for electromotive force) (about plugs under driving force see above) or sometimes industriale(industrial), although the latter was never the correct definition, since enterprises used predominantly three-phase current and special connectors.

Two-size or multi-size sockets

Socket bipasso(number 1) and Italian adapted socket schuko(number 2 in the photo) in a modern product.

Italian socket brand VIMAR universale, capable of accepting plug types A, C, E, F, E/F hybrids and both Italian type forks L.

Since it is a fact that the type of plugs found throughout Italy varies, in modern installations in Italy (and other countries where type L plugs are used) it is possible to find sockets that accept plugs of more than one standard. The simplest type has a central round hole and two holes at the bottom and top, made in the shape of a figure eight. This design allows the connection of both type L plugs (CEI 23-16/VII 10 A and 16 A) and Euro plugs type C CEE 7/16. The advantage of this type of socket is its small, compact front part. VIMAR claims that it patented sockets of this type already in 1975 with the release of their model Bpresa; however, soon other manufacturers began selling similar products, calling them in most cases by the generic term presa bipasso(two-standard socket), which is now very common.

The second fairly common type looks like an F receptacle, but with the addition of a central grounding hole. Sockets of this design can, in addition to Type C and 10 Amp L type plugs, accept CEE 7/7 (E/F type) plugs. Some of these receptacles may have figure-eight holes to accept 16-amp L-type plugs. The trade-off for versatility is twice the size of a normal L-type receptacle.

Other types may go even further in terms of compatibility. Manufacturer VIMAR produces a socket universale(universal) that accepts CEE 7/7 (Type E/F), Type C, 10A and 16A Type L, and US/Japanese Type A plugs.

Other countries

Outside Italy, type L CEI 23-16/VII (Italian 10A/250V) plugs can be found in Syria, Libya, Ethiopia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, various countries in North Africa, and occasionally in old buildings in Spain.

Type M

BS 546 (South African type 15 A/250 V)

The term "Type M" is often used to describe the 15 amp version of the old British Type D used in South Africa and elsewhere.

In the USSR, two-pin sockets with non-spring solid ring contacts and a built-in fuse were initially used. These included forks with replaceable split round pins. Often on the back of the plug there were sockets for connecting another plug, which made it possible to connect plugs in a “stack” when there were not enough sockets. But later such plugs were abandoned, since the pins of such plugs often unscrewed and broke while remaining in the socket. Solid pin plugs required the pin to be held in place by spring pins in the socket, so older sockets cannot provide reliable contact between the plug and solid pins. However, low-power devices can be connected to such an outlet. Split plugs typically fit Type C pin diameters, but cannot fit into Type F sockets due to the shape of the housing.

Old spanish sockets

In old buildings in Spain you can find sockets with a special type of plug, which has two flat blades and a round pin between them. This species is vaguely similar to the American one.

The phase and neutral contacts have dimensions of 9 mm × 2 mm. The distance between them is 30 mm. All three contacts are 19 mm long. The diameter of the grounding pin is 4.8 mm.

Despite the fact that the plug resembles an American one, the two flat contacts are much further apart from each other than in the American version.

There are no devices sold with these plugs. An adapter is needed.

British electrical clock connector

British three-pin clock connector and disassembled plug with 2A fuse.

Fused plugs and sockets of various non-interchangeable types can be found in older public buildings in Great Britain, where they were used to supply AC power to electric wall clocks. They are smaller than conventional sockets, usually designed to fit into BESA (British Engineering Standards Association) junction boxes, often almost flat. Older plugs had a fuse on both wires, newer ones only on the phase wire and had a ground pin. Most were provided with a retaining screw or bracket to prevent accidental disconnection. Gradually battery quartz watch almost completely replaced network ones, and with them similar connectors.

American "Type I"

American appliance manufacturers, Hubbell, Eagle, and perhaps others made sockets and plugs that were exactly Type I, similar to those used in Australia today. These sockets were installed in the United States in the 1930s for electrical appliances installed in a laundry room: washing machines and gas clothes dryers (to drive the motor). It was impossible to accept type A plugs, which is probably why they quickly fell out of use, being replaced by type B sockets.

Greek "type H"

Sockets, plugs and tees of the old Greek system

Before the widespread use of the schuko system, sockets similar to the H type with round pins were used in Greece, which were usually called τριπολικές (tripoliks).

Perpendicular rosette, USA

Perpendicular slotted double rosette

Perpendicular Soviet slot socket RP-2B for 10A 42V AC

Another outdated type of outlet from Bryant is 125V 15A and 250V 10A. A NEMA 5-20 125V 20A or 6-20 250V 20A plug with a missing ground pin will fit this outlet, but a NEMA 2-20 plug is too large for it.

The top slots, as seen in the picture, are connected to silver clamp screws on the top, and the bottom slots are connected to copper screws on the bottom.

In Australia, the same or similar T-shaped sockets are used for DC power, for example in Stand-alone Power Systems (SAPS) or on ships. In this application, the horizontal slot is placed at the top and is at positive potential. In the same way, sockets are used for temporary equipment in emergency situations. vehicles. In Victoria it is customary for the top of the letter T to be marked with a minus sign and therefore to be at negative potential. Outside Victoria, the vertical contact is designed to connect to the body/chassis. The top terminal of the T is positive on vehicles that have the chassis at negative potential. Also, the old vehicle is still running, with a positive potential on the chassis, that is, the polarity of the socket contacts can be any.

In the Soviet Union, and now in Russia, this socket was usually used to supply a reduced voltage for safety reasons, for example in schools, at gas stations, and in wet areas. The outlet is rated at 42V 10A AC. Such an unusual connection is necessary so that it is impossible to connect a low-voltage device to a 220V outlet.

US, combination double socket

The parallel-series receptacle accepts normal NEMA 1-15 parallel plugs as well as NEMA 2-15 series plugs. Both pairs of outlets are powered by the same source.

A more recent and fairly common version of this type is the T-slot rosette, in which serial and parallel slots were combined to produce T-shaped slots. This version also accepts normal NEMA 1-15 parallel plugs as well as NEMA 2-15 series plugs. By the way, a NEMA 5-20 (125V, 20A) or 6-20 (250V, 20A) plug without a grounding pin will also fit into this outlet. This type of socket has not been sold in stores since the 1960s.

Dorman & Smith (D&S), UK

D&S socket

The D&S standard was the earliest connector standard for ring wiring. The connectors were designed for a current of 13A. They were never popular in private homes, but were very often installed in prefabricated and municipal ones. They were also used by the BBC. D&S supplied sockets to local authorities at very low prices, with the intention of making money by selling plugs that typically cost 4 times the price of Type G plugs. It is not known exactly when D&S stopped producing plugs and sockets, but some local authorities continued to install them until the late 1950s years. D&S sockets were in use until the early 1980s, although the difficulty of obtaining plugs for them after 1970 forced residents to replace them with G-sockets. This generally violated regulations local authorities on the redevelopment of municipal housing. The D&S plug had a serious design flaw: the fuse, which also served as a phase pin, was connected to the plug body with a thread, and often unscrewed during operation, remaining in the socket.

Wylex, UK

Wylex plugs and sockets were manufactured by Wylex Electrical Supplies Ltd. as competitors to the G and D&S types. There were varieties of plugs designed for 5 and 13 amperes, with different widths of phase and neutral contacts and fuse ratings. The plug had a round ground prong in the center and two flat prongs on each side for live and neutral, slightly above the middle of the center prong. Wall sockets were rated at 13A and accepted 5A and 13A plugs. Many 13A plugs had a socket on the back that would only accept a 5A plug. Wylex sockets were installed in municipal and public housing, less often in the private sector. They were particularly popular in the Manchester area, although they were installed throughout England, mainly in schools, university housing and government laboratories. Wylex plugs and sockets continued to be produced after the final adoption of the G standard, and were widely used in banks and computer rooms throughout the 1960s and 1970s for sources uninterruptible power supply or “clean”, filtered networks. It is not known exactly when Wylex stopped producing plugs and sockets; however, plugs could be found on sale in the Manchester area until the mid-1980s.

Chuck adapters

Two Italian lamp sockets, with outlet. On the left is a 1930 example (porcelain and copper); right - ok. 1970 (black plastic).

The incandescent lamp socket plug fits into a bayonet or Edison screw socket. It allows you to connect electrical appliances to light bulb sockets. These plugs were widely used from the 1920s to the 1960s, when many homes had few or no wall outlets.

Often, lighting circuits are equipped with a 5A fuse or circuit breaker, which does not prevent the socket from overheating. Fuses were very rarely installed in the adapters themselves. In the UK and some other countries the use of such adapters is prohibited for fire safety reasons.

In Italy plugs for Edison screw lamp sockets were used very widely while the lighting network was separated from the mains general purpose, and some places in houses (for example basements) were usually not equipped with sockets.

Type A adapters can still be easily found in the Americas.

Rare types

NEMA 2-15 and 2-20

Ungrounded plugs with two flat parallel blades are a variant of the 1-15 plug, but are designed to supply 240 volts instead of 120. The 2-15 has coplanar power contacts (rotated 90° relative to the contacts in regular American plugs), and the voltage rating is current is 240V 15A, while 2-20 has two power contacts rotated 90° relative to each other (one vertical, the other horizontal) and a rating of 240V 20A. NEMA 2 plugs and sockets are very rare because they are used in household It has been banned in the USA and Canada for several decades. They are potentially dangerous because they are not grounded, and in some cases the plugs may be inserted into outlets of a different voltage. Before the NEMA standard for 120V at 20A, a plug almost identical to the 2-20 type was used. The 2-20 plug fits into 5-20 and 6-20 sockets designed for a different voltage.

Walsall Gauge, UK

Unlike standard English BS 1363 plugs, the earth pin is horizontal and the live and neutral pins are vertical. This type of plug was used by the BBC, and is still sometimes used on the London Underground on low voltage networks.

Italian connector Bticino Magic security


Left: Bticino Magic Security socket. In the center: an assortment of Magic Security sockets (orange - industrial three-phase socket). Right: Magic Security range of plugs.

Magic security connectors were developed by Bticino in the 1960s as an alternative to Europlugs or L-type connectors. Sockets of this type are almost rectangular, the plugs were inserted into a shaped slot, closed with a safety lid with the inscription “Magic”, which could only open when the corresponding plug was inserted into it. At least four models were produced: three single-phase general purpose connectors, rated respectively 10A, 16A and 20A, and a three-phase industrial connector rated 10A. Each connector had its own slot shape so that plugs could not be plugged into sockets that did not correspond to them. The contacts are located on both sides of the plug. The plug only connects to electricity when it is fully inserted into the outlet.

The obvious disadvantage of the system is that it is not compatible with Euroforks. Since household appliances were never sold with such a plug, after installing such sockets it was necessary to replace the plugs with the corresponding Magic security ones. However, the system Magic security was initially quite popular among consumers who valued security; The connectors used at that time were not sufficiently safe. When safety covers for type L sockets (VIMAR Sicury) were invented, Magic sockets almost went out of use.

In Italy, the Magic system has not been officially abandoned, and it is still available in the Bticino product catalog, although it is not popular.

In Chile, 10 Amp Magic connectors are commonly used in computer and laboratory environments, as well as in telecommunications plants, as a standard of reliability and safety, due to their polarization, difficulty of accidental disconnection, etc.

Receptacles that support different types of plugs can be found in various countries in which market size or local market conditions make developing a specific plug standard impractical. These sockets accept plugs made to various European, Asian and North American standards. Because many plug standards are tied to their respective voltages, multistandard receptacles do not provide protection against damage to devices rated for other voltages. This forces users to know the voltage requirements for their devices as well as the prevailing voltage in the host country. With such sockets, you can safely use devices that automatically adjust to the desired voltage and frequency and do not require grounding.

These outlets may have one or more grounding holes for three-prong plugs. In correctly routed circuits, the ground pin is actually grounded; however, it is possible to determine whether this is so only with the help of special instruments. Even correctly wired sockets cannot guarantee a ground connection to all types of plugs, since it is difficult to create a socket of this design.

Legrand connector designed for high current (up to 32 amperes)

When connecting a three-phase electric stove, the load on each phase separately is reduced due to the fact that each part of the stove is connected to a separate phase.

With a single-phase connection, the load on a single phase increases. The maximum power consumption of a typical modern electric stove is 8-10 kW, which at a voltage of 220V corresponds to a current of 36-45A. Conventional household wall sockets are designed, as a rule, for a current of no more than 16A, so the stove must be connected to the electrical network either in a permanent way or with a grounded connector designed for the appropriate current.

Different countries have different practices for connecting electric stoves.

For example, Swiss regulations dictate that equipment consuming current in excess of 16A must either be connected to the network in a permanent way, with suitable branch protection, or connected using an industrial connector suitable for the current rating.

The electrical safety regulations of some other countries do not say anything about the method of connecting electric stoves, and everyone is free to choose the connection method independently. Often the consumer himself buys the first non-standard pair of plug and socket for a specific electric stove, and it often happens that they are designed for a current of 25-32A, since the user relies on the fact that the stove usually never turns on full power. The non-standard nature of the plug and socket is explained by the lack of national standards for connecting electric stoves.

Links

IEC Zone: Plugs and sockets - This page is an informational list. See also main article: AC Power Plugs and Receptacles The two main standards used in the world are voltage and frequency. One of them is the American standard 100 127 Volt 60 Hertz ... Wikipedia

An IEC connector is the general name for a set of thirteen female connectors mounted on the power cord (hereinafter called connector) and thirteen male connectors mounted on the panel of the device (called input), defined by the specification ... ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Rosette. This article lacks an introduction. Please add an introductory section that briefly describes the topic of the article. Contained ... Wikipedia

This article is about the design, technical features and history of the development of plug connectors. For plug connector standards adopted in different countries, see List of plug connector standards ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Voltage... Wikipedia

- (CEE 7/17), mechanically polarized version The contour plug (Type designation: CEE 7/17) has been designed to be used, like the Europlug, throughout Europe. It is used when the device does not require protective grounding, but ... Wikipedia

Try to imagine homo modernus without mobile phones, cameras, laptops, navigation systems and other gadgets? The answer is simple: it is impossible. Well, all these benefits of civilization cannot exist without “food”; they need recharging.
Therefore, beaches, parks, museums fade into the background, and the first thing a traveler should think about is what sockets and what voltage will be in the country where he is heading.
In most cases, the issue is resolved with the help of an adapter. But it can become useless if the voltage in the network is very different from the native, domestic one. For example, in Europe the voltage varies from 220 to 240 V; in the USA and Japan - from 100 to 127 V. If you don’t guess, you’ll burn your device.
Let's try to understand the intricacies of electrical engineering.

Voltage and frequency

By and large, only two levels of electrical voltage are used in the household network in the world:
European - 220 - 240 V and American - 100 - 127 V, and two AC frequencies - 50 and 60 Hz.

Voltage 220 - 240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz is used by most countries of the world.
Voltage 100 -127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz - in the USA, countries of North, Central and, partially, South America, Japan, etc.
However, there are variations, for example, in the Philippines, 220 V and 60 Hz, and in Madagascar, on the contrary, 100 V and 50 Hz, even within the same country, depending on the region, there may be different standards, for example, in different parts of Brazil , Japan, Saudi Arabia, the Maldives.

Therefore, before you set off, collect as much information as possible about circuits and signals, the types of sockets used in the country and the voltage in the network.

Electrical sockets

There are a lot of sockets, plugs and options for connecting to the electrical network. But don’t be alarmed, there is no need to deal with everyone and look for an adapter for each one.
You need to remember (save, sketch, photograph) the 13 most used types of sockets, which are designated in Latin letters from A to M:

Type A - American electrical socket and plug: two flat parallel contacts. Used in most countries of North and Central America (USA, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala), in Japan, and almost everywhere where the mains voltage is 110 V.
Type B is a variation of the Type A connector, with an additional round ground pin. Typically used in the same countries as the Type A connector.
Type C - European socket and plug. It has two round parallel contacts (without grounding). This is the most popular socket in Europe, excluding England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Used where the voltage is 220V.
Type D is the old British standard with three round contacts arranged in a triangle shape, with one of the contacts thicker than the other two, rated for maximum current. Used in India, Nepal, Namibia, Sri Lanka.
Type E is a plug with two round pins and a hole for the grounding pin, which is located in the socket of the socket. This type is now almost universally used in Poland, France and Belgium.
Type F - The standard is similar to Type E, but instead of a round ground pin there are two metal clamps on both sides of the connector. You will find such sockets in Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway, and Sweden.
Type G - British socket with three flat contacts. Used in England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Note. This type of outlet often comes with a built-in internal fuse. Therefore, if after connecting the device it does not work, then the first thing to do is check the condition of the fuse in the outlet.
Type H - has three flat contacts or, in more early version, round contacts are arranged in a V shape. Used only in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Not compatible with any other plug, designed for voltage values of 220 V and current up to 16 A.
Type I - Australian socket: two flat contacts, as in the American type A connector, but they are located at an angle to each other - in the shape of the letter V. Also available in a version with a ground contact. Used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina.
Type J - Swiss plug and socket. It is similar to the Type C plug, but has an additional grounding pin in the middle and two round power pins. Used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Maldives.
Type K is a Danish socket and plug, similar to the European Type C, but with a ground pin located at the bottom of the connector. Used in Denmark, Greenland, Bangladesh, Senegal and the Maldives.
Type L - Italian plug and socket, similar to the European Type C socket, but with a round ground pin that is in the center, the two round power pins are arranged unusually in a line. Used in Italy, Chile, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Cuba.
Type M is an African socket and plug with three round pins arranged in a triangle shape, with the ground pin being clearly thicker than the other two. It is similar to the D-type connector, but has much thicker pins. The socket is designed to power devices with a current of up to 15 A. Used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.

A few words about various kinds adapters.

The easiest way to be ready to put the plug into the socket is to purchase an adapter, converter or transformer in advance (it depends on what your needs are). In most hotels, if you contact them, they will select the device you need at the reception.

Adapters - combine your plug with someone else's socket without affecting the voltage, the most versatile device.
Converters - provide conversion of local power grid parameters, but for a short time, up to 2 hours. Suitable for small (camping) household appliances: hair dryer, razor, kettle, iron. Convenient on the road due to its small size and weight.
Transformers are more powerful, larger and more expensive voltage converters designed for continuous operation. Used for complex electrical appliances: computers, televisions, etc.

And at the end, an easy life hack on how to use an English socket without an adapter

Happy travels!

Sources: wikimedia.org, travel.ru, enovator.ru, personal experience.

We purchase a lot of electrical household appliances of varying power, made in EU countries, whose power cords end with European-type electrical plugs. It is known that they differ not only in the diameter of the metal part from our domestic ones, but also in their shape, greater potential power and the presence of one or two grounding contacts. But we must not forget about the so-called “Soviet” type, which is still widely used in Russia and the CIS countries along with electrical appliances of past times, so we’ll start with them short review European-type electrical plugs from them.

One of the most common plug designs in the USSR, designed for 220V, 6A

This type, called Soviet C1/B, is still produced in our homeland and in terms of its qualities it can be equated to the European type CEE 7/16 Europlug. Electrical plugs of this type are designed for a current of 6 A and 10 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. They do not have grounding terminals, but they have one advantage, which is that their design is collapsible, which means that if the cable is damaged, you can replace it, leaving the socket the same and without spending money on a new one. The diameter of the pins in the Soviet plug is 4 mm.

The next type of electrical plug, which also has pins with a diameter of 4 mm and which is widespread in European countries except England, Ireland and Malta, belongs to the CEE 7/16 Europlug class. Used when operating household electrical appliances low power, without grounding contacts and is designed for current up to 2.5 A at a voltage of 1100 - 220 V. Compatible with classes C, C1, E, F.

Type C6 (in Europe CEE 7/17) we have a “Euro plug”, with round pins (knives) with a diameter of 4.8 mm

But the French type of electrical plug has metal pins with a diameter of 4.8 mm and one grounding contact. Widely used in France, Poland and Belgium. Used for medium-power appliances such as vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, water heaters, etc. This type of plug can withstand current up to 16 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V. Compatible with sockets of type C, E, F, but with Soviet type C1 /B are incompatible and can only be used with an adapter.

For electrical appliances of medium and high power consumption, the European German type of plugs “Schuko” CEE 7/4 is used, which is widespread in Germany, Sweden, Norway and Holland.

CEE 7/4 Schuko plug and Schuko socket

Designed for a current of up to 16 A, in some versions up to 25 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V, has a pin diameter of 4.8 mm, one grounding pin and is compatible with sockets C and F. According to its characteristics, “Schuko” CEE 7/4 Suitable for French type E CEE 7/5 plugs.

There is also a hybrid type of E/F electrical plugs - CTT 7|7, which combines German and French quality. Very common in European Union countries when using medium and high power consumption devices. They have a grounding contact and are suitable for sockets of type C, E and F with a metal pin diameter of 4.8 mm.