How are plug types classified?

The U.S. International Trade Administration system labels plug and socket designs with letters from Type A through Type N. Type A and B are the flat North American pins, Type C the two-round-pin Europlug, Type G the UK three-rectangular-pin, Type I the Australian angled pins, and so on. Many countries accept more than one type.

Do I need an adapter or a converter?

An adapter only changes the plug shape so it fits the socket — it does not change the voltage. If your device is rated for the destination voltage (most phone and laptop chargers say 100-240V), an adapter is enough. If your device is single-voltage, you also need a voltage converter, or it may be damaged.

Why do some countries list multiple plug types?

Many countries adopted more than one standard over time or accept compatible plugs. For example, much of Europe uses both Type C and Type F sockets, which are physically compatible, and countries like Brazil and Italy mix several types within the same grid.

Is Type C the same as Type F?

They are closely related and largely compatible. Type C is the two-round-pin Europlug used across continental Europe. Type F (Schuko) adds earthing clips and is used in Germany and many neighbours. A Type C plug fits a Type F socket, but a Type F plug will not fit a narrow Type C-only socket.

Does plug type tell me the voltage?

Not by itself, but they correlate. This tool lists the voltage and frequency alongside the plug type so you can check both at once. North American Type A/B regions typically run 120V/60Hz, while Type C/F/G regions usually run 220-240V/50Hz.

What is the Plug & Socket Type by Country?

Look up the standard electrical plug and socket types (Type A through N) used in any country, with the mains voltage and frequency. Find out which travel adapter you need before you go abroad. It runs free in your browser on Gera Tools, with nothing uploaded.

Plug & Socket Type by Country

Name: Plug & Socket Type by Country
Creator: Gera Tools
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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The shape of the electrical plug and socket varies widely by country, classified by letters from Type A through Type N. This lookup tells you which plug and socket types each country uses, along with its mains voltage and frequency — so you know exactly which travel adapter (and whether a voltage converter) you need.

How it works

The tool uses the standard letter classification (Type A–N) from the U.S. International Trade Administration. Each country is mapped to the plug type or types in common use, plus its nominal voltage and frequency. Many countries accept multiple compatible types — continental Europe commonly lists both Type C and Type F, which physically fit the same socket.

Remember that an adapter only changes the plug shape; it does not change the voltage. Dual-voltage devices (marked 100–240V) work anywhere with just an adapter, but single-voltage devices need a voltage converter to avoid damage.

Quick reference by region

Region	Common types	Voltage	Frequency
USA, Canada, Mexico	A, B	120 V	60 Hz
Continental Europe	C, E, F	230 V	50 Hz
UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore	G	230 V	50 Hz
Australia, New Zealand	I	230 V	50 Hz
India	C, D, M	230 V	50 Hz
Israel	H	230 V	50 Hz
South Africa	M, N	230 V	50 Hz
Brazil	N (NBR 14136)	127/220 V	60 Hz
Switzerland	J	230 V	50 Hz
Italy	F, L	230 V	50 Hz
Denmark	C, K	230 V	50 Hz

Understanding the letter types

Type A and B — Two flat parallel blades (A) with an optional round ground pin (B). Used in North America and Japan (Japan at 100V/60Hz).

Type C — Two round pins, the “Europlug.” Fits the narrower continental European socket and also works in most Type F and Type E sockets.

Type G — The large three-rectangular-pin UK plug, with a mandatory fuse inside. Used across much of the former British Commonwealth.

Type I — Angled flat blades in a V shape. Used in Australia, New Zealand, and China (China uses a slightly different pitch, so check compatibility).

Type N — Brazil’s current standard (NBR 14136), with two round pins and one ground pin in a triangular formation. Brazil also runs at 127V in some cities and 220V in others — an unusual national split worth checking before you travel.

Adapter vs. converter: the critical distinction

An adapter lets your plug physically fit the socket — that is all. If you plug a 120V-only North American hair dryer into a European 230V socket via an adapter with no converter, you will likely destroy the appliance immediately. Check the device label: a range of 100–240V means the device handles any world voltage and only needs an adapter. A single voltage like 120V only or 230V only means you also need a step-up or step-down voltage converter for the opposite region.