Museum of Plugs and Sockets: non-standard types

Overview of uncommon types
for special purposes

In some countries you may find sockets that either deviate from the commonly used standard type, or are fully different. Such alternative plugs and sockets, can be used for various reasons, for example:

(i) local networks meant for electronic or medical equipment that have to be protected against voltage spikes or power outage;
(ii) circuits that offer a different voltage, frequency or DC rather than AC;
(iii) outlets for equipment that do not tolerate changing line and neutral (a possibility when using Schuko or Italian type plugs);
(iv) connectors designed for special spaces (raised floors etc.).
(v) sockets and plugs to connect ceiling lamps.
(vi) examples of Extra Low Voltage plugs / sockets.

	Argentina Polarized Schuko plug and socket. Click on plug for details >
	Australia and New Zealand Three variant AS/NZ 3112 types, and special plugs and sockets designed for clocks. Click on a socket for details >
	Czech Republic and Slovakia Six special types of plugs and sockets for 110 Volt DC and AC, 220 Volt DC, 400 Volt 3-phase and 48 Volt. Click on socket for details >
	Denmark Special types of plugs and sockets for electronic equipent and for hospital use. Click on a socket for details >
	Germany Polarized alternatives; respectively: HNA and Terko sockets, connector for cable ducts and concentric plug. Click on a socket or plug for details >
	Great Britain Two variant BS 1363 types, a special plug and socket for clocks and EPOS key plug. Click on a socket or plug for details >
	Italy Bticino series of polarized plugs and sockets, designed as alternative to CEI 23-50. Click on socket for details >
	Liechtenstein Neutrik PowerCON lockable appliance connectors that guarantee a safe connection under rugged conditions. Click on plug for details >
	Poland and Italy Three Polish variant CEE 7/5 - 7/6 plugs and sockets, and one variant produced in Italy. Click on a socket for details >
	South Africa SANS 164-2-1 and 164-4 are series of dedicated plugs and sockets for special purposes. Click on a socket for details >

Ceiling lamps

Various types of sockets and plugs
have been designed to connect and
remove ceiling lamps in a convenient
and safe way.

The museum has four examples used
in six countries. They are shown on a special ceiling lamp page.

Click a flag for details >

Denmark

France Norway

Sweden Finland

Great Britain

empty white rectangle

	Extra Low Voltage Although the collection focusses on devices for 100 Volt AC and above, a few "look-alike" ELV examples are shown on various pages. Click a plug for details	Australia	Czech Republic	France	Russian Federation
		DDR (GDR)

Request for help

There are definitely more countries in which non-standard or alternative plugs and sockets are on offer. Any information about such material is highly appreciated. Please contact me; see home page for the address.

D i g i t a l M u s e u m o f

P l u g s a n d S o c k e t s