Worldwide Power Outlet Standards: A Comprehensive Guide

A power plug refers to the device that connects appliances and other equipment to the power source.

Sockets and plugs vary in shape, rating, size and type depending on the country or region. Each country has standards set by the government.

Also known as power cord plug, power plug is used in various fields and all countries.

Depending on the intended use, a power cord plug can be used with voltages of 250V, 125V and 36V, and depending on the current, it can be used with 16A, 13A, 10A, 5A and 2.5A. The frequency is normally 50/60Hz.

Plug Types

Power cord plugs can be roughly classified into converter plugs, injection molded plugs and mounting plugs.

1. Converter Plug:

Each country has a different standard for power cord plugs. For example, a plug from China cannot be used in the United States and would require a converter plug for compatibility.

This is where the converter power plug comes in. A converter power plug is designed to convert one country's standard power cord plug to another country's standard power cord plug.

2. Injection molded power plug:

An injection molded plug is one in which the plug and wire are fused together under high temperature and pressure.

Once formed, it cannot be dismantled. The advantages of such a power plug are quite clear: it is stable and safe. More than 80% of power plugs available on the market are of this type.

3. Assembling the power plugs:

Assembling a plug involves securing the power cord and plug using screws or other fasteners.

However, it can be assembled and disassembled during use, ensuring the flexibility of the power plug. For example, a significant proportion of the UK market uses these types of mounted power plugs.

Structural design

At present, there are several standards for electrical plugs around the world, including the Chinese standard plug (GB), the American standard plug (US), the European standard plug (EU, DE), the British standard plug (UK), and the British (UK) standard plug. South African standard plug (ZA), among others.

The national standard plug is used in China, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, characterized by its three flat pins.

The American standard plug, with one round and two flat pins, is used in the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, among other countries.

The British standard plug, with three rectangular pins, is used in the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Maldives, Qatar, Hong Kong and other regions.

The European plug (German standard), distinguished by its two round pins, is used in European Union countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Spain, Sweden, as well as in South Korea, Russia. The South African standard plug, characterized by its three round pins, is mainly used in South Africa, India and Russia.

In addition, there are other types of plugs, such as the Italian standard (Italian plug) and the Swiss standard (Swiss plug).

Shape and Models

Power plugs are typically categorized into two-, three-, and multi-prong plugs.

2-pin power plug:

As the name suggests, a 2-prong power plug has two prongs or two prongs. Pin or pin specifications differ according to various national standards. For example, the Chinese standard uses two pins, while the European standard uses two round pins.

3-pin power plug:

A 3-prong power plug, as you would expect, has three prongs, or three prongs, or two prongs, or prongs plus a grounding hole. This structure is more complex than the 2-pin power plug. The size, diameter and other standards of the pins are quite demanding. The length and spacing between pins are also factors to consider.

Multi-pin power plug:

The multi-pin power plug is even more complex. There are 4-pin power plugs, 5-pin power plugs and so on. The specific type of plug to be used in a given device depends on customer requirements and actual circumstances.

Yarn color

The wiring colors for a three-prong power plug are typically brown, blue, and yellow-green. The brown wire is the live wire, the blue wire is the neutral wire, and the yellow-green wire is the ground wire.

Corresponding to the power cord, the three prongs of a power plug are marked E, L, N. The live wire L is usually on the left, the neutral wire N on the right, and the ground wire E on top. As long as the colors match those of the power cord, the connection is correct.

Common colors for L-core yarn are black or brown (also known as tea color). These two colors are commonly used in American and Japanese patterns, while brown is used in European patterns.

Common colors for N-core wires are white, red, and light blue. These three colors are often used in American and Japanese patterns, while light blue is used in European patterns.

Common colors for N-core wires are green or green with yellow (also known as yellow-green or yellow-green). These two colors are widely used in American, Japanese and European standards, with many companies opting for green with yellow.

Where there is electricity, there is an outlet.

Power plugs have a wide range of uses in various aspects of our lives and work, especially in sectors such as household appliances and telecommunications. They are closely related to our daily lives and our work.

Understanding the basic knowledge and safety performance of power plugs can ensure the safety of your family and property.