Overview of plugs and sockets

site map

heavy duty

 

The world map below shows standards of domestic plugs. Click on a plug for details. An illustrated overview of domestic socket standards is given on a separate page. Other types of plugs and sockets are listed below.

Nearly each type of plug is used in a number of countries. An inventory of countries with their types of plugs and sockets is given in the IEC list of World Plugs. The IEC uses letters A-N to indicate plug types. Letters and corresponding standards are listed below.

More plugs and sockets are displayed on the following pages:

	General information Development of plugs, sockets, safety aspects. Wiring techniques. Certification and quality marks. Information about plug manufacturers.	Classic, continental European plugs* Material made in Germany and elsewhere, including special and uncommon types (1910s-'70s).
	Uncommon plugs and sockets Material, used for special purposes, that deviates from standards shown in the above map.	Appliance couplers Classic porcelain and Bakelite connectors, and modern appliance couplers, as IEC 60320.
	Phased out plugs and sockets Examples of outdated domestic types found in Britain and Greece.	Adapter plugs Useful when traveling; makes an alien outlet accessible to the type of plugs in your country.
	Multi-standard sockets Sockets with outlets for different types of plugs, used in countries that allow several standards.	Depot Plugs and sockets that doesn't match to any of the categories.

* More examples of classic material are shown on pages devoted to standards (see map above) and country-specific pages (see below).

Country-specific pages

For various reasons pages have been added that are devoted to a single country. Click on a flag for images of local plugs and sockets.

Argentina

Brazil

Chile

China

Czech Rep.

Greece

Japan

Netherlands

Russia

Slovakia

South Africa

Spain

Uruguay

 

Plugs and sockets that are missing or unknown A collection is never complete. The 'most wanted' items are summarized. Other items in the museum collection are of unkown origin. Have a look, it might be that you can help me.

 

The museum has a separate wing for ...

Single and three-phase plugs and sockets for non-industrial heavy duty applications as electric ranges, dryers etc., equipment in workshops, farms and outdoors. Note that a five pin plug is used for navigation to this wing, see example right.

 

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Occasionally domestic plug standards are indicated with capital letters A - N. It is an unofficial classification system. The museum does not use the system, but for your convenience links between letter codes and corresponding pages of the website are given below.

Types A/B NEMA N.America

Type C CEE 7/16 Europe

Type D BS 546 UK, India

Type E CEE 7/6 France

Type F CEE 7/4 Germany

Type G BS 1363 UK

Type H SI 21 Israel

Type I AS 3112 Australia

Type J SEV 1011 Switzerland

Type K 107-2-D1 Denmark

Type L CEI 23-50 Italy

Type M BS 546 S.Africa

Type N IEC60906 S.Africa

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Disclaimer     This website is a digital museum. Legends to illustrations etc. are not to be regarded as instruction manuals. We refer to documentation that comes with plugs and sockets for information about the proper and safe use of these devices. If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician ! While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this website, the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.

D i g i t a l    M u s e u m    o f

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