Power Plug Guide

Power plug types around the world

There are 16 standardised plug types (A–O). Pick one to see its pin shape, voltage range, and the full list of countries that use it.

Type A
Two flat parallel pins
100–127V 41 countries
Type B
Two flat pins + round ground
100–127V 39 countries
Type C
Two round pins (Europlug)
220–240V 125 countries
Type D
Three large round pins
220–240V 11 countries
Type E
Two round pins + earth hole
220–240V 33 countries
Type F
Two round pins + side earth contacts
220–240V 69 countries
Type G
Three rectangular pins
220–240V 46 countries
Type H
Three pins in Y-shape
220–240V 2 countries
Type I
Two or three flat angled pins
220–240V 15 countries
Type J
Three round pins
220–240V 2 countries
Type K
Two round pins + U-shaped earth pin
220–240V 1 country
Type L
Three round pins in a row
220–240V 8 countries
Type M
Three large round pins
220–240V 10 countries
Type N
Two round pins + round ground
127–230V 6 countries
Type O
Three round pins
220–240V 1 country

How plug types are classified

The naming convention (Type A, Type B, etc.) was popularised by the US Department of Commerce and is now used universally. The classification is based on physical shape: pin count, pin profile (flat vs round), grounding scheme, and pin spacing. Type A and B are the flat two- and three-pin plugs of North America and Japan; Type C is the small two-round-pin Europlug used across the EU; Type G is the bulky three-rectangular-pin British plug; Type O is unique to Thailand; and so on.

Many countries use more than one type — for example, India accepts Types C, D, and M. Always check the destination country's full plug list, not just the “primary” one, since older buildings often have older sockets.