Mains electricity is the general-purpose alternating-current (AC) electric power supply. In the US, electric power is referred to by several names including household power, household electricity, house current, powerline, domestic power, wall power, line power, AC power, city power, street power, and grid power. In many parts of Canada, it is called hydro, because much of the Canadian electrical generating capacity is hydroelectric.
Worldwide, many different mains power systems are found for the operation of household and light commercial electrical appliances and lighting. The different systems are primarily characterized by their
Voltage
Frequency
Plugs and sockets (receptacles or outlets)
Earthing system (grounding)
Protection against overcurrent damage (e.g., due to short circuit), electric shock, and fire hazards
Parameter tolerances
Single-phase or Three-phase electric power
All these parameters vary among regions. The voltages are generally in the range 100–240 V (always expressed as root-mean-square voltage). The two commonly used frequencies are 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
Foreign enclaves, such as large industrial plants or overseas military bases, may have a different standard voltage and frequency from the surrounding areas. Some city areas may use standards different from that of the surrounding countryside
Many other combinations of voltage and utility frequency, including direct current, were formerly used, with frequencies between 25 Hz and 133 Hz and voltages from 100 to 250 V. The modern standard combinations of 230 V/50 Hz and 120 V/60 Hz did not apply in the first few decades of the 20th century and are still not universal.
Industrial plants with three-phase power will have different, higher voltages installed for large equipment (and different sockets and plugs), but the common voltages listed here would still be found for lighting and portable equipment.
TABLE OF MAINS VOLTAGES AND OPERATING FREQUENCIES
.
Region
Type(s) of plug / socket
Voltage
Frequency
Comments
Afghanistan
C, D, F
240 V
50 Hz
Voltage may vary from 160 to 280.
Albania
C, F, L
230 V
50 Hz
Socket types F and L are the norm. The type L sockets
typically accept both large (16A) and small (10A) plugs. Both F and L
sockets accept type C plugs (Europlug). Voltage has been harmonized to
the EU standard of 400/230V
but is typically delivered at 380/220V.
Algeria
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
American Samoa
A, B, F, I
120 V
60 Hz
Andorra
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Angola
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Anguilla
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
Antigua
A, B
230 V
60 Hz
Airport power is reportedly 110 V.
Argentina
C, I
220 V
50 Hz
Live and neutral are reversed for socket outlet type I
in comparison to most other countries.
Armenia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Aruba
A, B, F
127 V
60 Hz
Lago Colony 115 V.
Australia
I
230 V
50 Hz
As of 2000, the mains supply voltage specified in AS
60038 is 230 V with a tolerance of +10% -6%. This was done for
voltage harmonisation – however 240 V (and less commonly 250 V is
within tolerance and is commonly supplied. Mains voltage is
still popularly referred to as being “two-forty volts”. Bathrooms in
hotels will often have a type I, C and A socket marked “for shavers
only” as pictured on the right. Three phase (415 V) is also used.
Austria
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Azerbaijan
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Azores
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Bahamas
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
along with 50 Hz in some outlying areas
Bahrain
C, G
230 V
50 Hz
Type G are the main type of electrical wall sockets
installation. Electrical equipment, however, with varying socket types
are available in the market. Type C plugs are very common with
audio/video equipment. Plugged into Type G outlets using widely
available adapters or forced in by pushing down the shutter. The latter
is widely practised, although hazardous.
Balearic Islands
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Bangladesh
A, C, D, G, K
220 V
50 Hz
Barbados
A, B
115 V
50 Hz
Belarus
C
220 V
50 Hz
Belgium
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Belize
A, B, G
110 V, 220 V
60 Hz
Benin
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Bermuda
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Bhutan
D, F, G, M
230 V
50 Hz
Bolivia
A, C
220 V
50 Hz
Bosnia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Harmonized to EU standard of 400/230V
Botswana
D, G, M
230 V
50 Hz
Brazil
C, N
127 V, 220 V
60 Hz
Dual-voltage wiring is rather common for high-powered
appliances, such as clothes dryers and electric showers which tend to
be 220 V even in 127 V areas. Depending on the area, the exact voltage
might be 115 V, 127 V, or 220 V. The Brazilian standard NBR 14136
(similar to IEC 60906-1-1) was first introduced in July 1998, revised
November 2002. Since Jan 1st 2010 all devices and new buildings must
comply with NBR 14136. In older buildings, the types A, B, C, I can
still be found, but are no longer manufactured or sold in Brazil.
Brunei
G
240 V
50 Hz
Bulgaria
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Burkina Faso
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Burma
C, D, F, G
230 V
50 Hz
Type G found primarily in better hotels. Also, many
major hotels chains are said to have outlets that will take Type I
plugs and perhaps other types. In 2012, the authority planned to add
type A, as many machines are type A imported from Thailand.
Burundi
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Cambodia
A, C, G
230 V
50 Hz
Cameroon
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Canada
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Smaller buildings (like houses) are supplied with
240/120V split-phase with 240V being used for large loads and 120V for
all else. Type A outlets are for repairs only (houses from the 1950s
and prior that have no ground conductor), type B are required for new
construction and renovation. A 20-Amp type B but with a T-slot can be
used in kitchens in new construction.[10] Low-voltage
three phase is 208/120V and also 600/347V in larger buildings.
Canary Islands
C, E, F, L
220 V
50 Hz
Cape Verde
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Caribbean Netherlands
A, B, C
127 V, 220 V
50 Hz, 60 Hz
Bonaire 127 V, 50 Hz, Receptacle is combination of
A and C; Saba and St. Eustatius 110
V, 60 Hz, A, maybe B
Cayman Islands
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Central African Republic
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Chad
D, E, F
220 V
50 Hz
Channel Islands
C, G
230 V
50 Hz
Chile
C, L
220 V
50 Hz
China (PRC excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
A, C, G, I
220 V
50 Hz
Most wall outlets simultaneously support Types A and I.
Some outlets support Type C as well (the holes in the outlets are flat
in the middle and round on the sides) so that either a Type A, a Type C
or a Type I (Unearthed) plug can be used. A second outlet only type I
(Earthed) is next to the unearthed multi Type A\C\I outlet. Type A
outlets only fit plugs with pins of the same width—a polarized Type A
plug requires an adapter. NOTE: No matter the type of plug the socket
will accept, voltage in China is always 220 volts. See photo at right.
Colombia
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
High-power air conditioners, restaurant equipment,
cookstoves and ovens use 240 volt supplies. Wiring conventions,
practices and standards follow the Colombian Electrical Code (Código
Eléctrico Colombiano), which is similar to the USA National Electric
Code.
Comoros
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Congo, Republic of the
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Congo, Democratic Republic of
the
C, D
220 V
50 Hz
Cook Islands
I
240 V
50 Hz
Costa Rica
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Ivory Coast
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Croatia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Type F wall sockets countrywide standard. Type C wall
sockets are very uncommon, and exist only in very old installations.
Cuba
A, B, C
110 V
60 Hz
Resorts that were built to cater to a European
clientele may have 220 V Type C plugs.
Curaçao
A, B, C
127 V
50 Hz
Cyprus
G
230 V
50 Hz
Czech Republic
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Type E sockets are standard, earthed appliances ship
with an E+F plug. Type C Plugs are common, especially for low-power
devices. Type C wall sockets (actually E without the grounded pin and
with narrower holes) are very uncommon, and exist only in very old
installations.
Denmark
C, E, F, K
230 V
50 Hz
Type E was added from July 2008. Type F was added
from November 2011.
Type C wall sockets are prohibited in houses built after April 1975. All new sockets
must be childproof.
Formerly 220V. 400V three-phase power is very common; The plugs/sockets
used are either IEC 60309-2, or the Danish
multi-phase system – mostly known as “komfurstik” or “380V-stik”.
Djibouti
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Dominica
D, G
230 V
50 Hz
Dominican Republic
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
Ecuador
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Egypt
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
El Salvador
A, B
115 V
60 Hz
Equatorial Guinea
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Eritrea
C
230 V
50 Hz
Estonia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Ethiopia
C, E, F, L
220 V
50 Hz
Faroe Islands
C, E, F, K
220 V
50 Hz
See Denmark.
Falkland Islands
G
240 V
50 Hz
Fiji
I
240 V
50 Hz
Finland
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Formerly 220 V.
France
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Type C (round) replaced with Type E; flat Type C remain
in use, but wall sockets are not produced; all devices since early
1990′s sold with E+F plug (fits both French E and German F types)
French Guiana
C, D, E
220 V
50 Hz
French Polynesia
A, B, E
110 V, 220 V
60 Hz, 50 Hz
Marquesas Islands 50 Hz
Gaza Strip
C, H
230 V
50 Hz
(see Israel in this list)
Gabon
C
220 V
50 Hz
Gambia
G
230 V
50 Hz
Georgia
C
220 V
50 Hz
Germany
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Type F; Type C (CEE 7–16 plugs and sockets, and CEE
7–17 plugs) are in use, too, but wall sockets are not produced (Type C
plugs fit in Type F sockets). Many devices since early 1990′s sold with
E+F plug (fits both French E and German F types); Type C (the flat CEE
7–17) wall sockets are extremely uncommon, and exist only in very old
installations.
Ghana
D, G
230 V
50 Hz
Gibraltar
G, K
240 V
50 Hz
Type K was used in the Europort development by the
Danish builders. Otherwise the United Kingdom fittings are used.
Greece
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Type F (“Schuko”, Greek: Σούκο)
is the de facto standard for new installations’ sockets. Type C and
“Tripoliko” (similar to type J and post-1989 type H) sockets exist only
in old installations. Light appliances use type C plug while more
electricity-consuming ones use type E&F or F plugs. Corfu still
only uses C 220 V at 50 Hz. Formerly 220 V.
Greenland
C, E, F, K
220 V
50 Hz
See Denmark.
Grenada
G
230 V
50 Hz
Guadeloupe
C, D, E
230 V
50 Hz
Guam
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
Guatemala
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Guinea
C, F, K
220 V
50 Hz
Guinea-Bissau
C
220 V
50 Hz
Guyana
A, B, D, G
240 V
60 Hz
Mixture of 50 Hz and 60 Hz distribution
according to Guyana Power and Light Conversion of 50 Hz
distribution to 60 Hz is ongoing
Haiti
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
Honduras
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
Hong Kong
G, M, D
220 V
50 Hz
Largely based on UK system. G is used in almost all
products, while M is (rarely) used when required current rating is
between 13~15A. Occasionally, a ‘shaver’ socket (similar to Type C) is
found in some bathrooms that provides low current to some other plug
types. These almost always have a 110 V socket and a 220 V socket in
the same unit, or a switch to select voltage, which are sometimes
labelled as 110 V and 220 V. This duo installation is not as common in
HK as in the UK. There was a smaller 2 A version of type D, now
obsolete.
Hungary
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Mains voltage sometimes still popularly referred to as
220 V, although the harmonization to 230 V was completed January 1,
2003. 400 V
3-phase is also sometimes still referred to as 380 V.
Iceland
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
India
C, D, M
220 V
50 Hz
Residential power supplied in India is two wire 220
volts, permitted variation 6%, and maximum load 40 amperes. Frequency
50 Hz. Many power outlets are universal and accept many plugs
without adapter. A combination receptacle for types C, D and M is
usually present.
Indonesia
C, F, G
127 V IT
220 V TN-S
230 V TN-C-S
50 Hz
IT earthing system (very old installations)
TN-S earthing system (most widespread)
TN-C-S earthing system (new installations from 2000)
Mains voltage sometimes still popularly referred to as 220 V, although
the harmonization to 230 V was completed 1998. 400 V 3-phase is also
sometimes still referred to as 380 V. Elsewhere it was replaced in
1980s by the 220 V standard. Type G Plug / Socket is less common.
Iran
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Type C wall sockets are less common, and exist only in
older installations. Type F is used for new installations. Type C Plugs
are common for low-power devices.
Iraq
C, D, G
230 V
50 Hz
Ireland
G, D, M, F
230 V
50 Hz
G Sockets and plugs standard as defined by NSAI I.S.
401 (Plug) I.S. 411 (Socket outlet). Obsolete or specialist
installations may be D and M (as in the UK). Type F (“Side Earth”)
plugs occasionally seen in old installations probably because much of
the early Irish electrical network was heavily influenced by Siemens.
Formerly 220 V. ‘ A ‘shaver’ socket (similar to Type C) is sometimes
found in bathrooms that will provide low current to some other plug
types. These almost always have a 110 V socket and a 230 V socket in
the same unit, or a switch to select voltage, which are sometimes
labelled as 115 V and 230 V. The G type socket often has an on-off
switch on the socket. 110 V centre point earthed transformers are often
used for industrial portable tools. Type M plugs are permitted for
applications where the power draw does not exceed 5 Amps; this power
limitation allows type M sockets to be powered from domestic 10 Amp
circuits and to be controlled by domestic lighting switches.
Isle of Man
G
240 V
50 Hz
Israel
C, H, M
220 V
50 Hz
The standard for H plugs and sockets was recently
modified to use round pins, so most modern sockets accept both type C
and type H plugs. Type M sockets are used for air conditioners.
Identical plugs and sockets also used in the Palestinian National
Authority areas.
Italy
C, F, L
230 V
50 Hz
Common sockets have 8-shaped holes to accept both 16A
and 10A version of the L plug, but in hotel rooms 10A sockets are still
common. Schuko sockets are unusual, but adaptors rated up to 1500 Watt
are widespread. C unearthed sockets are not used in modern
installations and are very difficult to find for replacement, so there
are some old installations with earthed sockets unconnected to an
earthing system. Italian wall-boxes are similar to American ones, but
are usually horizontally mounted, in old installation round pattrress
are common. Formerly 220 V.
Jamaica
A, B
110 V, 220 V
50 Hz
Japan
A, B
100 V
50 Hz, 60 Hz
East Japan 50 Hz (Tokyo, Kawasaki, Sapporo, Yokohama, and Sendai); West Japan 60 Hz (Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya,
Hiroshima). Older buildings have nonpolarized sockets, in which case
American polarized plugs (one prong wider than the other) would not
fit. Many buildings do not have the ground pin. Sockets and switches
fit in American-sized standard boxes.
Jordan
B, C, D, F, G, J
230 V
50 Hz
Kazakhstan
C, E, F
220 V
50 Hz
No official standard. Voltage tolerance is 220 V ±10%.
Actual voltage may vary (usually 150–200 V) because of unstable
electrical system.
Kenya
G
240 V
50 Hz
Kiribati
I
240 V
50 Hz
Kuwait
C, G
240 V
50 Hz
Kyrgyzstan
C
220 V
50 Hz
Laos
A, B, C, E, F
230 V
50 Hz
Latvia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Harmonized to the EU standard of 400/230V
Lebanon
A, C,
220 V
50 Hz
Just about all plugs use type C. Before 1999 the
voltage used to be 100 instead of 200.
Lesotho
M
220 V
50 Hz
Liberia
A, B, C, E, F
120 V, 240 V
50 Hz
Previously 60 Hz, now officially 50 Hz. Many
private power plants are still 60 Hz. A & B are used for
110 V; C & F are used for 230/240 V. Much of the
centralized power system was destroyed during the civil wars starting
in 1990, and public power supplies are still limited. Local supplies
may vary and may not match the usual voltage for a particular wall
socket.
Libya
D, L
127 V
50 Hz
Barca, Benghazi, Derna, Sabha & Tobruk 230 V.
Lithuania
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Liechtenstein
C, J
230 V
50 Hz
Swiss Norm, C only in the form CEE 7/16.
Luxembourg
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Formerly 220 V.
Macau
D, F, G, M
220 V
50 Hz
No official standards there. However, in the Macao-HK
Ferry Pier built by Portuguese Government before handover the standard
was E & F. After handover, Macau
adopted G in both government and private buildings. F is uncommon.
Before 1980s, 110 V was found in Macau but now obsolete.
Macedonia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Harmonized to EU standard 400/230V
Madagascar
C, D, E, J, K
127 V, 220 V
50 Hz
Madeira
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Although its “Officially” 230v now, in a few parts of
the island it is usually either close to 240 or at 240~ V
Malawi
G
230 V
50 Hz
Malaysia
C, G
240 V
50 Hz
The official mains power voltage is AC 230 V with the
tolerance of +10%,-6%.
However, the supplied voltage remains at 240 V, as the supplied
voltage is within the allowed tolerance. Areas that rely on private
power companies, like some parts of Penang and Kedah, receive a true
230 V supply. Remote villages which rely on off-grid localized
diesel generators (i.e. small villages and/or isolated holiday resorts
on islands too far away from the mainland to have viable underwater
cabling) may receive unstable power with higher voltages, with some
areas recorded to be as high as 260 V. Type C plugs are very
common with audio/video equipment. Plugged into Type G outlets using
widely available adapters or forced in by pushing down the shutter. The
latter is widely practised, although hazardous. Since the late 1990s,
dedicated Type C sockets can also be found on some power strips sold in
the country for convenience given the wide proliferation of devices
with Type C plugs. Type C sockets can also be found on dedicated shaver
sockets in bathrooms of many hotels. Said sockets also include a Type A
connector that delivers 110v of power for the convenience of tourists.
Type M sockets are normally used for air conditioning (especially if
the air conditioner requires a magnetic starter), heavy industrial
equipment, spotlights, and less commonly, washers and clothes driers.
This is because most modern washers sold in the country are also fitted
with Type G plugs and are two-in-one compact units which uses the same
tub for washing and drying. In the countryside, type A is also used,
but rare and considered non-standard.
Maldives
A, D, G, J, K, L
230 V
50 Hz
Mali
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Malta
G
230 V
50 Hz
Martinique
C, D, E
220 V
50 Hz
Mauritania
C
220 V
50 Hz
Mauritius
C, G
230 V
50 Hz
Mexico
A, B
127 V
60 Hz
Type B is becoming more common. Voltage can legally
vary by +/- 10% (giving a range of 114 to 140 volts). Split phase is commonly available and local
electricians are apt to wire both to a type A/B socket to give 240 V
for air conditioning or washing machine/dryers.
Micronesia
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Moldova
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Compatible with European and former Soviet Union (GOST)
standards.
Monaco
C, D, E, F
230 V
50 Hz
Supplied from France
Mongolia
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Montenegro
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Voltage has been harmonized to the EU standard of
400/230V
Montserrat
A, B
230 V
60 Hz
Morocco
C, E
220 V
50 Hz
Originally built using 127v and converted to 220v in
the 1980s.
Mozambique
C, F, M
220 V
50 Hz
Type M found especially near the border with South
Africa, including in the capital, Maputo.
Namibia
D, M
220 V
50 Hz
Nauru
I
240 V
50 Hz
Nepal
C, D, M
230 V
50 Hz
Netherlands
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Formerly 220 V.
New Caledonia
E
220 V
50 Hz
New Zealand
I
230 V
50 Hz
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 state supply
voltage is 230 V ±6%
Nicaragua
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Niger
A, B, C, D, E, F
220 V
50 Hz
Nigeria
D, G
240 V
50 Hz
North Korea
C
220 V
50 Hz[25]
Various references report 50 Hz or 60 Hz but
50 Hz was confirmed by measurement in Pyongyang on July 23, 2012.
Norway
C, F
230 V IT
230 V TT 400 V TN
50 Hz
IT earthing system (most widespread)
TN earthing system (new installations)
TT earthing system (used in some installations in Bergen)
Sockets lacking earth are prohibited in new installations.
Okinawa
A, B
100 V
60 Hz
Military facilities 120 V.
Oman
C, G
240 V
50 Hz
Voltage variations common.
Pakistan
C, D, G, M
230 V
50 Hz
Official standard is 230 V / 50 Hz. Voltage
tolerance is 230 V ±5% (218 V to 242 V). Frequency tolerance 50 Hz
±2% (49 Hz to 51 Hz) But Karachi Electric Supply Corporation
(KESC) is 240 V / 50 Hz.
Type C and D Plug / Socket are common for low-power devices. Type M
Plug / Socket is common for air conditioners and high-power devices.
Type G Plug / Socket is less common.
Palau
?
?
?
Panama
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
Panama City 120 V.
Papua New Guinea
I
240 V
50 Hz
Paraguay
A, C
220 V
50 Hz
Peru
A, B, C
220 V
60 Hz
Talara 110/220 V; some areas 50 Hz
Philippines
A, B
220 V
60 Hz[27]
Type A outlets are very common, especially in old
houses. But modern buildings now use Type B outlets.
Poland
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Type C (round) replaced with Type E; flat Type C remain
in use, but wall sockets are not produced; all devices since early
1990′s sold with E+F plug (fits both French E and German F types)
Portugal
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Harmonized with EU standard 400/230V[28]
Puerto Rico
A, B (IEC 60906-2)
120 V
60 Hz
(US Territories, American standardized at 120 V.
Electricity suppliers aim to keep most customers supplied between 114
and 126 V most of the time. 240 V/60 Hz used for large
appliances. Large residential buildings frequently have 120/208V
3-phase power, with large appliances being connected between two of the
phases, giving a voltage of 208 volts. Since 1962, Type B outlets are
required by code in new construction
and renovation. A T-slot Type B is rated for 20 amperes for use in
kitchens or other areas using large 120 V appliances.
Qatar
D, G
240 V
50 Hz
Réunion
E
220 V
50 Hz
Romania
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Most household sockets still compatible with East
European standards (4.0 mm pins). Formerly 220 V.
Russia
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
USSR (along with much of Eastern Europe) used type GOST
sockets with 4.0 mm pins similar to West European C type plugs and
the 4.8mm standard used by West European type E/F Plugs.
The former Soviet sockets could be seen mainly in old houses and in
countryside. Obsolete standard 127 V/50 Hz AC is used in some
remote villages. Elsewhere it was replaced in 1970s by the 220 V
standard.
Rwanda
C, J
230 V
50 Hz
St. Martin
C, F
120 V, 230 V
60 Hz
Dutch Sint Maarten 120 V, 60 Hz; French Saint-Martin 230 V, 60 Hz;
St. Kitts and Nevis
A, B, D, G
110 V
and
230 V
60 Hz
Region plug is same as United States (2 pin) 110–120 V
St. Lucia
G
240 V
50 Hz
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
E
230 V
50 Hz
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A, C, E, G, I, K
230 V
50 Hz
Samoa
I
230 V
50 Hz
São Tomé and Príncipe
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Saudi Arabia
A, B, C, F, G
127 V, 220 V
60 Hz
Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the world
that still uses a dual-voltage system in different parts of the
country. In an attempt to unify the low voltage system in the Kingdom,
a decision was made by the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia in
August 2010 to standardize the low voltage system as 230/400V. The
decision took immediate effect for new subscribers and will be
implemented in existing facilities in two phases over 25 years (10-year
preparatory phase and 15-year executive phase).
Senegal
C, D, E, K
230 V
50 Hz
Serbia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Formerly 220 V.
Seychelles
G
240 V
50 Hz
Sierra Leone
D, G
230 V
50 Hz
Singapore
C, G, M
230 V
50 Hz
Type C is used for audio/video equipment and plug
adapters are widely available. Type M sockets may be found occasionally
for high-power applications.
Slovakia
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Slovenia
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Somalia
C
220 V
50 Hz
South Africa
C, F, M, N
230 V
50 Hz
Type C used for some appliances. Adapters are widely
available.
South Korea
C, F
220 V
60 Hz
This is special case. Normal line voltage is 110V
60 Hz for 3 phase wiring. They make 220V by using 2 phases. In
some parts of the country you will find 110V 60 Hz although most
will be 220V 60 Hz. Type F is normally found in offices, airports,
hotels and homes. Type C (type CEE 7/17) sockets are obsolete and
manufacture was discontinued as of 2008, but examples are still found
in a lot of places. In cases where a Type C socket was replaced with a
Type F, the ground contact is often not connected to anything. 220 volt
power is distributed by using one live pole of a three-phase 380 volt
system. 110 V/60 Hz power with plugs A & B were previously
used but has already been phased out. Some residents install their own
step-down transformers and dedicated circuits, so that they can use 110
V appliances imported from Japan or North America. Most hotels only
have 220 V outlets, but some hotels offer both 110 V (Type A or B) and
220 V (Type C or F) outlets. Switches and outlets fit American-sized
boxes.
Spain
C, F
230 V
50 Hz
Formerly 220 V.
Sri Lanka
D, G, M
230 V
50 Hz
Increased use of type G in new houses/establishments.
Sudan
C, D
230 V
50 Hz
Suriname
C, F
127 V
60 Hz
Swaziland
M
230 V
50 Hz
Sweden
C, F
230 V
400 V
50 Hz
Non-grounded sockets are prohibited in new
installations. 400 V for some washing machines and other fixed
installations. In bathroom etc. 110–115 socket can be found and used
for shavers and other “bathroom tools”. Formerly 220 V.
Switzerland
C, J
230 V
50 Hz
In newer buildings and installation you will find only
type J sockets (almost always recessed, mandatory after 2016: SEV 1011
Type 13),
which accept type C plugs. Relatively often, you will still find
non-recessed sockets that are compatible with type J, which also accept
the Europlug, but not plugs of type E, F, or E&F, since their pins
are too thick (4.8mm). In some very old installations, sockets that are
compatible with type E plugs are found. These non-recessed sockets will
sometimes physically also accept plugs of type E, F, and E&F, but
grounding will not be effective. Since 1 January 2013, it is only
allowed to import or sell electronic devices with plugs with partly
insulated pins, such as type C (CEE 7/16, SEV 1011 type 11) and
type J (SEV 1011 type 12).[34]
Syria
C, E, L
220 V
50 Hz
Taiwan
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
All outlets are Type A or Type B. When an outlet is
Type B, the ground (earth) holes of the outlets are usually not
connected to anything. Most appliances have Type A plugs, but computers
and high-power appliances have Type B plugs. The ground prongs on Type
B plugs are often cut off to make the plugs fit into Type A sockets.
Different outlets (which can not accept Type A or Type B plugs) provide
220 V for air conditioners.
Tajikistan
C, F, I
220 V
50 Hz
Tanzania
D, G
230 V
50 Hz
Thailand
A, B, C, TIS166-2549
220 V
50 Hz
In newer buildings and installation you will find only
TIS116-2549 sockets, which accept type A and B and C plugs. Relatively
often, you will still find type A/C hybrid sockets that are compatible
with TIS116-2549, which also accept the Europlug, but not plugs of type
E, F, or E&F, since their pins are too thick (4.8mm). In some very
old installations, sockets that are compatible with type A/C hybrid
plugs are found. These non-grounded sockets will sometimes physically
also accept plugs of type E, F, and E&F, but grounding will not be
effective. Since 2008, it is only allowed to import or sell electronic
devices with plugs type C (CEE 7/16) and A, B (IEC
60906-2/TIS166-2519/TIS166-2535) and TIS116-2549.
Timor-Leste
C, E, F, I
220 V
50 Hz
Togo
C
220 V
50 Hz
Lomé 127 V.
Tonga
I
240 V
50 Hz
Trinidad & Tobago
A, B
115 V
60 Hz
Tunisia
C, E
230 V
50 Hz
Turkey
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Turkmenistan
B, C, F
220 V
50 Hz
Uganda
G
240 V
50 Hz
Ukraine
C, F
220 V
50 Hz
United Arab Emirates
C, D, G
220 V
50 Hz
99% type G (same as UK) Others for Cookers
United Kingdom
D, G, M
230 V
50 Hz
Voltage tolerance of 230 V +10%/−6% (216.2 V to 253 V),
due to be widened to 230 V ±10% (207 V to 253 V) at a date yet to be
specified.[35]
Formerly 240 V in mainland Britain and 220 V in Northern Ireland.
Generally Type G everywhere. A “shaver socket” (similar to Type C) is
sometimes found in bathrooms that will provide low current to some
other plug types. These sometimes have a ~110 V socket and a ~240 V
socket in the same unit, or a switch to select voltage for a single
socket. The G type socket usually has an on-off switch. IEC 60309 plugs
and connectors are used in industrial and construction locations as
well as for outdoor use in domestic and other business premises. Plug
types D and M were used until the early 1960s but were phased out due
to lack of internal fuse. They are still found in specialist
applications such as theatre and TV stage lighting.
United States of America
A, B (IEC 60906-2)
120 V
60 Hz
Standardized at 120 V. Electricity suppliers aim
to keep most customers supplied between 114 and 126 V most of the
time. 240 V/60 Hz used for large appliances. Large
residential buildings frequently have 120/208V 3-phase power, with
large appliances being connected between two of the phases, giving a
voltage of 208 volts. Since 1962, Type B outlets are required by code in new construction and renovation. A
T-slot Type B is rated for 20 amperes for use in kitchens or other
areas using large 120 V appliances.
Uruguay
C, F, L I
230 V
50 Hz
Type L is the most common in modern homes and type F is
the second as a result of computer use. Neutral and live wires are
reversed, as in Argentina. Type I is only found in very old
installations.
Uzbekistan
C, I
220 V
50 Hz
Vanuatu
I
230 V
50 Hz
Venezuela
A, B
120 V
60 Hz
Nema 10-50 found in household 240 V/208 V service
only for air conditioning and some high power appliances.
Vietnam
A, C, G
220 V
50 Hz
Type A is the norm in Southern Vietnam and Type C is
the norm in Northern Vietnam (according to the pre-unification border
at 17 degrees North). Type G is found only in some new luxury hotels,
primarily those built by Singaporean and Hong Kong developers. But Type
G is never found in homes, shops, or offices.
Virgin Islands
A, B
110 V
60 Hz
Both US and British?
Yemen
A, D, G
230 V
50 Hz
Zambia
C, D, G
230 V
50 Hz
Zimbabwe
D, G
220 V
50 Hz
A (NEMA 1–15 U.S. 2 pin)
B (NEMA 5–15 U.S. 3 pin), standardized by IEC as IEC 60906-2
C (CEE 7/16 Europlug)
C (CEE 7/17 Euro 2 pin)
D (BS546 5 A version of Type M. A smaller 2 A version also available)
E (CEE 7/5 French)
F (CEE 7/4 “Schuko”)
E+F (CEE 7/7)
G Type (BS1363 UK)
H (SI 32 Israel)
I (AS-3112 Argentina / Australia / New Zealand).
Australian and New Zealand plugs are always switched at the socket.
I, plus sockets for A, C and I (China)
J (SEV-1011 Switzerland)
K (SRAF 1962/DB Denmark)
L (CEI 23-16 Albania / Canary Islands / Chile / Ethiopia / Italy /
Libya / Syria)
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