We buy a lot of electrical household appliances of different capacities, made in the EU countries, in which the power cords end with European-type electric plugs. It is known that they differ not only in the diameter of the metal part from our domestic ones, but also in shape, greater potential power and the presence of one or two ground 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 the past, so we will begin a brief overview of European-type electrical plugs with them.
One of the most common plug designs in the USSR, designed for 220V, 6A
This type, called the Soviet C1 / B, is still produced in our homeland and, in terms of its qualities, it can be equated with the European type CEE 7 / 16 Europlug. Electric 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 ground terminals, but there is 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 not 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 widely used in European countries, except for England, Ireland and Malta, belongs to the CEE class 7/16 Europlug. It is used when operating household electrical appliances of low power, without ground contacts and is designed for current strength up to 2.5 A at a voltage of 1100 - 220 V. Compatible with class 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 already with a diameter of 4.8 mm and one ground contact. Widely used in France, Poland and Belgium. They are used for medium power devices 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 type C, E, F, but with Soviet type C1 /B are not compatible and can only be used with an adapter.
For electrical appliances of medium and high power consumption, the European German type of Schuko CEE 7/4 plugs is used, which is widely used in Germany, Sweden, Norway and Holland.
CEE 7/4 Schuko plug and Schuko socket
Designed for current 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 Fits French type E CEE 7/5 plugs.
There is also a hybrid type of E/F electric plugs - CTT 7|7, which combines German and French quality. Very common in the European Union when using appliances of medium and high power consumption. They have a grounding contact, suitable for sockets type C, E and F with a metal pin diameter of 4.8 mm.
Try to imagine homo modernus without mobile phones, cameras, laptops, navigation systems and other gadgets? The answer is simple: it's impossible. Well, all these benefits of civilization cannot exist without "nutrition", they need recharging.
That is why 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 going.
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, burn your device.
Let's try to understand the wisdom of electrical engineering.
Voltage and frequency
By and large, in the world, only two levels of electrical voltage are used in the household network:
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, in part, South America, Japan, etc.
At the same time, 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, Maldives.
Therefore, before you hit the road, collect as much information as possible about the 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 do not be afraid, there is no need to deal with everyone and look for each adapter.
It is necessary to remember (save, sketch, photograph) the 13 most used types of sockets, which are indicated in Latin letters from A to M:
Type A - American electrical socket and plug: two flat parallel contacts. It is 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. Commonly 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 outlet in Europe, except for England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Used where the voltage is 220V.
Type D is an 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 - plug with two round pins and a hole for the grounding contact, which is located in the socket socket. This type is now almost universally used in Poland, France and Belgium.
Type F - standard similar to type E, but instead of a round ground pin, there are two metal clips on both sides of the connector. You will find such sockets in Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway, Sweden.
Type G - British socket with three flat pins. Used in England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Note. This type of socket 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 to check the condition of the fuse in the outlet.
Type H - has three flat contacts or, in the earlier version, round contacts arranged in a V shape. Only used in Israel and Gaza. Not compatible with any other plug, designed for voltages of 220 V and currents up to 16 A.
Type I - Australian socket: two flat pins, like the US type A plug, but they are angled to each other - in the shape of a 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 looks like a Type C plug, but has an extra ground pin in the middle and two round power pins. Used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Maldives.
Type K - Danish socket and plug, similar to the European type C, but with a grounding contact 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 - an African socket and plug with three round pins arranged in a triangle shape, while the ground pin is clearly thicker than the other two. It looks like a type D connector, but it has much thicker contacts. A 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 of adapters.
The easiest way to be ready to put the plug in the outlet is to pre-purchase an adapter, converter or transformer (that's whoever needs it). In most hotels, if you ask, the right device will be picked up for you at the reception.
Adapters - combine your plug with someone else's outlet without affecting the voltage, the most versatile device.
Converters - provide the conversion of local parameters of the electrical network, but for a short time, up to 2 hours. It is used for small (camping) household appliances: hair dryer, razor, kettle, iron. Convenient on the road due to small size and weight.
Transformers are more powerful, large and expensive voltage converters designed for continuous operation. Used for complex electrical appliances: computers, TVs, 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.
When we talked about that, we briefly stopped at an overview of the types of devices. There is a wide range of types and types of electrical outlets, however, in domestic conditions, plug-in models are most often used. Next, we will tell you what types of products are in Russia and other countries of the world.
Variety of connectors
The most basic difference between the types of products is how the connectors for connecting the electrical plug are arranged. The fact is that each state has its own connector standards. You can clearly see the types of sockets in all countries of the world in the photo below:
Description of each type:
- A is American. In addition to the USA, this version is used in Japan. There is no ground contact.
- B - American model, with grounding.
- C - European standard. The euro socket is used not only in Europe, but also in the CIS, including Russia. The only drawback of this variety is the lack of grounding. However, it should be noted that there is no ground contact on the Soviet C5 models, but it is present in the euro version of the C6.
- D - this type of electrical outlet can be found in Britain.
- E - French standard.
- F - Euro socket with grounding. A modern type of execution, which is most often used in European countries, as well as the CIS.
- G - English version.
- H - Israeli.
- I - Australian.
- J - Swiss.
- K is Danish.
- I - the original type of execution, which is used in Italy.
- M - South Africa.
So you learned what sockets are in different countries of the world. Next, we will focus on the types of electrical plug products type C and F in more detail.
Specifications
As you already know, the operating voltage in the network can be 220-240 or 380 Volts, in America and Japan it is customary to use a voltage of 100-127 Volts. Euro sockets for 220 V are used to connect electrical appliances with a power of not more than 3.5 kW. This is due to the fact that power sockets can withstand a current not exceeding 16A. In these types of electrical accessories, it is permissible to connect a TV, refrigerator and other, not too powerful household appliances.
Industrial three-phase sockets are designed for a current of 32 A and therefore are used in everyday life to connect powerful equipment.
Also, electrical outlets are designed for an alternating current frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. In Russia and the CIS countries, the first type of execution is used.
type of instalation
The next type of electrical outlets is the housing version. There are overhead products that are used when and recessed - for wiring in a hidden way.
The latter type, in turn, can be mounted not only on the wall, but even on the floor or countertop in the kitchen. Floor-standing household devices for connecting appliances look like this:
A separate type of electrical outlets is portable. A very convenient option, however, it has not yet gained much popularity in Russia.
Additional functions
Also, electrical outlets can be divided into types depending on the additional functions that they have. For example:
- Waterproof. Euro sockets from 44 and above have a cover that will protect the connectors from water ingress. This type of socket is most often used in bathrooms.
- Model c - shuts off power when a dangerous electrical leakage is detected.
- Timer model. Using this type of electrical accessories, you can simply set the time after which the power will turn off. Very convenient for connecting heaters that do not have their own shutdown timer.
- Power outlet with wattmeter. An original solution that allows you to see how much electricity is consumed by the connected device. The indication changes depending on the power consumption: blue is the minimum power consumption, red is the maximum.
- With fork ejector. If you often have, we recommend choosing a special model with an ejector that will help you gently pull the electrical plug from the sockets.
- Euro socket with backlight. This type of product is very convenient because in the dark you can easily find where to connect the charger from the phone or another device.
- Model with USB output. Great solution for charging mobile devices.
- GSM and
Most often, electrical appliances are supplied with a ready-made system for connecting them to the network. However, there are situations when it is necessary to replace an element such as an electric plug. Choosing the right option is very important, as well as connecting it correctly. In order to avoid unpleasant situations in the future, you should study the technology for repairing equipment.
Types of electric plugs
There are only three types of electrical plugs. These are collapsible and non-collapsible (cast) types of equipment.
Each of them performs the same function. An electric plug of any type serves as a network connection with a current conductor.
Cast plugs have gained great popularity in the world of modern household appliances. They are reliable, aesthetic and also comfortable. The wire is attached to the pins by spot welding. The system in this case resembles a single wire. There is no contact in this case. This method of fastening ensures that there is no oxidation and loosening at the junctions of the wire with the pins of the plug.
The reason for the breakage of a cast plug is a fracture of the conductor at the base. Usually such devices are not repaired.
A collapsible plug will help bring the device back to life. The electrical cord is connected to the plug very tightly. The better the contact, the better the equipment works.
Global plug markings
Depending on the state that produces the presented equipment, there are 13 varieties of gifts and plugs for them. They are marked in Latin letters.
Types A and B of electrical plugs are assigned to American plugs. Type A does not have a ground, and B already contains a place for its connection. Their pins are flat.
Type C belongs to European plugs with round pins without earth. Marking D have English sockets. The pins are round, two thin and one thick.
French electrical plugs with a place for grounding have two round pins. The third is in the outlet.
The type F grounding plug is similar to C. Only it has two grounding plates.
British plugs include types M and G. Other European varieties include sockets J, K, L. Australian plugs for electrical cords are marked with the letter I, and Israeli - H.
Adapters are used to connect the plug to incompatible sockets.
Electric plugs in our country
In our country, there are 4 types of trailed and cast forks.
Type C is a non-separable fork. They most often come with household appliances and are connected to a cord.
Type C5 has round pins with a diameter of 4 mm, without earth contacts. The power of equipment connected to such a plug does not exceed 1.3 kW (6 A).
Type C6 belongs to such equipment as an electric plug, which may not have a grounding trailer. In some variants, they have a ground pin. Pin diameter - 4.8 mm. The plug is designed for power up to 2 kW (10 A).
Type C1-b includes collapsible varieties, designed for a power of 1.3 kW (6 A).
Which fork is best?
Among professional electricians, there is an opinion that a cast plug is still more reliable. This applies to quality products from well-known manufacturers.
The connection of the wire with the pins takes place in production by soldering or, in very rare cases, by crimping. The subsequent hermetic casting of the body reliably protects the junction, and also prevents oxidative processes in this segment.
The only weak point of such a product is the connection of the conductor to the plug. If a break occurs, it is better not to try to disassemble the cast version of the product. Having decided to repair the device, you should connect a collapsible plug to the wire.
Rules for connecting plug C1-b
Different types of electrical plugs will require certain installation guidelines for each.
For detachable plugs C1-b, good contact of the wire with the pins should be ensured. The ends of the conductors should be tinned.
The insulation from the cable is removed by 20-25 mm without touching the cores. Rings should be formed around the crimp screws of the plug. The remaining overlap is wound around the cleaned base.
The finished ring is removed and carefully tinned so as not to press the insulation. Then they are again put on the screws and clamped to the stop. Care must be taken not to break the thread.
Pins with wires are inserted into the landing recesses. The outgoing wire is pressed with an insulating bar without damaging the outer sheath of the cable. Next, the halves of the plug are tightened with a bolt and nut.
Connecting the wire to the plug C5 and C6
Here the process of connecting the wire is even easier. The electric plug type C5 and C6 already incorporates special pads. You don't need to make rings. Wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm square. envy up to 10 mm, and from 1.5 mm square. - up to 20 mm. It has to do with connection technology.
Thin wires will need to be folded in half before fasteners. The core is twisted and inserted into the terminal.
It is better to tighten the pads from time to time in order to ensure good contact quality. In such devices, it is quite good.
If the mains does not provide grounding, you should not connect an extra contact anywhere. The third conductor is left unstripped as a reserve. It can come in handy when one of the veins breaks.
If you install a plug with a high power limit on an electrical appliance, this will increase its margin of safety. However, putting a plug on the equipment with a smaller load capacity, one should expect it to overheat, fail and create an emergency. Be sure to pay attention to the marking of the plug and the power of the household appliance.
Having familiarized yourself with the varieties of such an electrical circuit element as an electric plug, you can choose the right option for replacing the old plug. There are several types of such devices. Each is selected in accordance with the required load of the household appliance to which the wire with the plug is connected. By making the connection in accordance with all the rules, there is no doubt about the durability and safety of the operation of the electric plug.
DA Info Pro - March 6th. When connecting any household appliance to the electrical network, we do not think about what types of electrical outlets can be. However, you can get into some confusion when repairing the electrical wiring in a house abroad or in an apartment in which foreigners lived before you. In addition, some problems can be encountered when traveling to another country when trying to plug an electrical plug into the network.
Electrical plugs vary by country. Therefore, the US Department of Commerce (ITA) in 1998 adopted a standard according to which various types of electrical sockets and plugs were assigned their own designation. We will write in detail for each type of electrical outlets.
Classification principle and main types
Total exists 15 types electrical sockets. The differences are in the shape, size, maximum current, availability of a ground connection. All types of sockets are legally fixed in countries within the framework of standards and norms. Although the sockets in the image above may look similar in shape, they differ in the size of the sockets and pins (plugs).
All types according to the American classification are designated as Type X (Type X).
| Name | Voltage | Current | grounding | Distribution countries |
| Type A | 127V | 15A | Not | USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan |
| Type B | 127V | 15A | Yes | USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan |
| Type C | 220V | 2.5A | Not | Europe |
| Type D | 220V | 5A | Yes | India, Nepal |
| Type E | 220V | 16A | Yes | Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia |
| Type F | 220V | 16A | Yes | Russia, Europe |
| Type G | 220V | 13A | Yes | UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore |
| Type H | 220V | 16A | Yes | Israel |
| Type I | 220V | 10A | Not really | Australia, China, Argentina |
| Type J | 220V | 10A | Yes | Switzerland, Luxembourg |
| Type K | 220V | 10A | Yes | Denmark, Greenland |
| Type L | 220V | 10A, 16A | Yes | Italy, Chile |
| Type M | 220V | 15A | Yes | South Africa |
| Type N | 220V | 10A, 20A | Yes | Brazil |
| Type O | 220V | 16A | Yes | Thailand |
In most countries, standards are driven by their history. So, for example, India, being a British colony until 1947, adopted its standard. Until now, in some hotels in the UK you can find the old standard Type D.
The image shows the types of electrical outlets in different countries of the world.
Although polarity is not important for a single-phase current connection, type A and B sockets are polarized. This is manifested in the fact that the plugs have different thickness - the position of the plug is important. In addition, in the USA, where they are actively distributed, an alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 127 V is used.
Development of various types of sockets and plugs
The widespread use of electricity in everyday life required the introduction of standards in the field of connecting electrical appliances. This would make electricity safer, devices more reliable and more versatile.
And many manufacturers of electrical equipment and devices in practice provide interchangeable cords for various types and countries for their devices.
Electrical sockets and plugs have evolved, among other things, under the tightening of safety requirements. So from Type D, Type G appeared - the maximum current increased, additional protective insulating coatings appeared at the base of the plugs.
Some types of connectors are already obsolete. So the American Type I, Soviet Type I, old Spanish sockets, plugs with cut plugs have gone out of everyday use. In fact, many countries standardize sizes among themselves. And standardization committees are trying to make interstate standards official. The main such organization is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC, IEC).
It turns out interesting with the connection of electric stoves - the maximum power can reach 10 kW. Various countries have introduced into the rules and regulations to use a separate type of electrical outlets for such powerful appliances. And in some places they generally oblige to connect without an outlet in a fixed way.
To connect plugs of one type to an outlet of another, adapter adapters are usually sold. They are found both from one type of electrical outlet to another, and universal - from any to a specific one.
