 |
Overview of plugs and sockets |
 site map |
 |
 heavy duty |
|
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Phased out plugs and sockets Examples of outdated domestic types found in Britain and Greece.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. |
|
| Occasionally
domestic
plug standards
are indicated with capital letters A - O. 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 |
Type O TIS 1662549 Thailand |
| 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 assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is
any
liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information
contained herein.
|
