In any country, you will use electricity. But when trying to connect to it, you may face a problem — abroad, they use types of sockets that are not standard in Ukraine.

Indeed, there is no universal type used in all countries. Americans, for example, use very different sockets than Europeans. Some types are compatible with each other, but sometimes adapters are required.

Why Electrical Fittings Differ

Sockets and plugs can differ in several parameters:

  • shape;
  • size;
  • rated voltage;
  • plug type;
  • naming.

In the USA, the standard is 128 V/60 Hz, while in Ukraine and other European countries — 220 V/50 Hz. The European standard is more widespread, but the American one is also common.

Type A and B Sockets

These two types are represented with and without grounding. These are American sockets also used in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Guatemala, and Venezuela. Type A is rated at 15 A and lacks grounding.

Type B sockets are also American, found in the USA, Canada, and some Central American countries. They have grounding and are rated for a maximum current of 15 A. Unlike type A, they have an additional U-shaped contact.

Plug features:

  • presence of a third pin;
  • two flat blades 1.5 mm thick, spaced 12.7 mm apart;
  • ground pin diameter — 4.8 mm;
  • can be plugged into type A sockets (but A plugs can’t be used with type B);
  • no insulation.

Type A and B plugs support voltages from 100 to 127 V. Type B is more common in the USA, type A — in Japan. These two standards are considered unsafe due to structural features.

Type C Sockets

Also known as Europlug, this is a European, ungrounded socket well known in Ukraine. It has two parallel round pins. This standard has been used across Europe for many years (except Cyprus, Malta, the UK, and Ireland).

Type C sockets were also used in the former USSR. They are rated for a maximum current of 3.5 A and typically work with 230 V/50 Hz. They are no longer installed in new buildings due to safety concerns.

However, type C plugs are still widely used. Contact diameter varies between 4 and 4.8 mm. The 4 mm version is more common and features 10 mm insulated sleeves. The 4.8 mm version is less common and uninsulated. These plugs are found on:

  • bathroom heaters;
  • vacuum cleaners;
  • hair dryers.

They may also be used with other appliances that consume a lot of electricity but don’t require grounding.

Type D Sockets

This outdated standard is mainly used in India and some Asian countries and may still be found in older British and Irish homes. These triangular sockets have three pins, one thinner than the others.

Type D sockets were once used in the UK but have not been installed there for over 50 years. Rated for 5 A, they may be compatible with some European plugs. However, type C plugs don’t fit securely, which can cause sparking or short circuits.

Because type D plugs lack insulation, they are not considered safe. Even when partially unplugged, the pins may remain live. Like types A and B, they are not recessed, posing a shock risk.

Type E and F Standards

When examining plug types by country, these should be mentioned as they are quite similar. Type E is common in France and other EU countries and parts of Africa. They have two round pins and a grounding hole.

Type E sockets accept type F plugs, and vice versa. Previously, F plugs lacked a grounding hole, leading to the creation of a hybrid E/F standard with a grounding sleeve and recess.

Originally, type E plugs had no grounding, but ungrounded versions are now obsolete. They accept type C plugs and are considered safe due to being recessed, reducing the risk of electric shock.

Modern models can be adapted to user needs — for example, made combined or waterproof.

Type F sockets, also called Schuko, differ from type E by having two metal grounding clips on the sides instead of a pin. These are widespread in the EU and Ukraine and are also considered safe.

What is a Type G Socket

This British standard socket with three flat rectangular pins is used in the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia. It has two horizontal and one vertical pin.

This type was designed for British power grids, where voltage can be higher. Type G has replaced type D in modern buildings. It’s also used in parts of Africa and Asia. Most designs include safety switches.

The “Israeli” Type H Standard

Used only in Israel, this socket has three round pins and supports 220 V. Hybrid models accept both round and flat pins.

Type E or F plugs don’t fit type H sockets due to smaller pin diameter. You may force the plug in, but it will be difficult to remove and will lack grounding, posing safety risks.

Standards I and J: What’s the Difference

Type I is used in distant countries like Australia and New Zealand. It has three pins — two angled, one grounding. Most are rated for 10 A, with some at 15 or 20 A. Switches are usually included for safety. Chinese plugs are also compatible.

Type J, known as the “Swiss” plug, resembles type C but has a grounding pin and diamond shape. It includes insulation and is used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and some other countries.

European Types K and L

Type K is used in Denmark and is similar to type C. It’s compatible with E and F, though grounding may be lost. They resemble smiley faces, hence the nickname “smiley” sockets.

Type L is the Italian standard with three inline pins and a central grounding contact. Rated for 10 and 16 A. Modern universal versions accept type C as well. Italian standards require safety shutters.

Other Socket Types

There are additional socket types used globally:

  • In Africa — type M. It resembles type D but has thicker pins;
  • In South Africa and Brazil — type N, similar to the Swiss standard;
  • Type O — used only in Thailand.

Type M sockets have three round pins arranged in a triangle and support up to 15 A. A specific insulated version is used in southern Africa.