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Domestic AC Power Plugs and Sockets
High Voltage Plug Standards
Electrical appliances built for use in North America are designed to operate on 110-120 volts AC (Alternating Current). Most of the world, however, operates on 220-240 volts AC.

To use your favorite 110-120 volt appliance while traveling overseas you need to convert foreign 220-240 volt electricity to match your 110-120 volt appliance's voltage requirement. Failure to do so could severely damage or destroy your appliance. The device made for this specific purpose is called a voltage converter. These converters come in either solid state or transformer type.

To use devices that are designed for 220-240 volts on a grid that uses 110-120 volts you need what we call reverse converters. These also come in solid state and transformer types.
There are a wide variety of power outlets in use around the world. Each standard was developed at the beginning of the 20th century. While the competing plug shapes and sizes have become somewhat standardized in different regions around the World, you will still need to convert the plug shape when you travel to regions that do not use your local plugs. Some countries also use more than one standard plug and to ensure that you can access the power grid you should bring each kind.
Things to think about before you open your Wallet!

If you walk into the average electrical store in Japan, buy a product, and take it back to your home country, there is a very strong possibility that it will NOT work. A few electrical appliances (like shavers) are made for worldwide use, so they have features like automatic voltage adjustment. Most do not. If you buy a standard Japanese model TV, VCR, computer, video camera, kitchen appliance or washing machine, you are likely to be disappointed when you get home.

Power companies around the world supply their power at different voltages. Electrical products only work correctly if they are given the power supply they were made for. And it is extremely dangerous to plug a low-voltage product into a high-voltage outlet.

Most countries use a voltage in the range from 110 to 240 volts AC. Japan uses the very low voltage of 100 volts. So if, for example, you take a Japanese 100-volt product to Europe and connect it to a standard power supply there, you are in for a very unpleasant surprise ;-) . At best, the product will be ruined. In some cases, you might give yourself an electric shock or start a fire. So our simple advice is: Don't use Japanese Model Products outside Japan.

Power frequencies are another problem. Although less dramatic than voltage problems, incorrect frequency will cause the product to malfunction. Japan is unusual in having two power frequencies - 50 hertz in one half of the country, 60 hertz in the other.

Buying in Japan
If you are buying electrical appliances in Japan, go to a tax-free tourist shop.
Ask for an export model that is made to suit your country. The store assistant should be able to give you some advice.

Even if you find a product of the right voltage and frequency, you are likely to have problems with the plug.
There are many different types of power plug around the world. Plugs fall into two main types: two-pin plugs and three-pin plugs. With three-pin plugs, one of the pins is the earth (ground). The seven most popular plug types are shown here.

You can buy adapter plugs that let you plug in without physically changing the original plug. If you are visiting several countries, and you have auto voltage adjustment appliances, it is worth buying a set of adapters. These are available at tourist electrical stores.

However, please remember, Adapter Plugs do not transform the Voltage of the Power Supply.
You should be OK if you are using an appliance with auto voltage adjustment. If not, you will need a transformer.

Note:
Some hotels provide a range of sockets in the bathroom. These are for electric shavers only (unless stated otherwise). Also note that in some countries (e.g. the UK), you need to switch the power socket on before use.

 

Major Plug
Socket Types
A
B
B3

BF
C
SE
O

Battery-powered appliances can be used anywhere in the world with confidence. However, it is a good idea to take along spare batteries when you go on a trip. You may not be able to find the right kind of batteries in the country you are visiting.

If you intend to use a battery charger, you face the same complications with the charger as with any other AC-powered product.

The lists below give voltages, frequencies, broadcasting systems and other basic information for many places around the world. This is a rough guide.
If in doubt, please seek professional advice from an electrical store.

Europe   Australia, Pacific (Oceania)   Asia & Middle East   North America   South America   Africa



Europe
A
B
B3
BF
C
SE

 
Voltage
(V)
Frequency
(Hz)
Color TVs
Plugs
Radio
Color
system
Broadcasting
LW
MW
SW
FM
Austria 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
C SE
Belgium 127 220 230
50
PAL
B/H
C SE
Denmark 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
C
Finland 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
C
France 127 220 230
50
SECAM
L
C SE
Germany 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
C SE
Greece 220 230
50
SECAM
B/G
C SE
Israel 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
BF C O
Italy 220
50
PAL
B/G
C SE
Netherlands 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
C SE
Norway 230
50
PAL
B/G
C
Poland 220
50
SECAM
D/K
C B B3
Portugal 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
C B3
Russia 127 220
50
SECAM
D/K
A B C
Spain 127 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
A C SE
Sweden 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
C SE
Switzerland 220 230
50
PAL
B/G
B B3 BFC
SE
Turkey 220
50/60
PAL
B
A B C
UK 240
50
PAL
I
B B3 B FC
FM radio frequencies: 66 to 73 MHz, 76 to 90 MHz, 87.5 to 108 MHz

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Oceania
A
B
B3
C
O

 
Voltage
(V)
Frequency
(Hz)
Color TVs
Plugs
Radio
Color
system
Broadcasting
LW
MW
SW
FM
Australia 240 250
50
PAL
B/G
O
Fiji 120 240
50
NTSC
M
A B CO
Guam 110 120
60
NTSC
M
A
New Caledonia 220 230
50
SECAM
K1
C B B3 O
New Zealand 220 240
50
PAL
B
O
FM radio frequencies: 66 to 73 MHz, 76 to 90 MHz, 87.5 to 108 MHz

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Asia & Middle East
A
B
B3
BF
C
SE
O

 
Voltage
(V)
Frequency
(Hz)
Color TVs
Plugs
Radio
Color
system
Broadcasting
LW
MW
SW
FM
China 110220
50
PAL
D
A B B3 BF
C S EO
Hong Kong
China		 200220
50
PAL
I
B B3 BF
India 220 230 240
50
PAL
B
B3 BF C
Indonesia 127 220 230
50
PAL
B
A B B3 BF C
Iran 220 230
50
SECAM
B
C BF
Iraq 220
50
SECAM
B
B B3 BF C
Japan 100
50/60
NTSC
M
A
Malaysia 240
50
PAL
B
B3 BF C
Myanmar 230
50
NTSC
M
B B3 C
North Korea 100 200 220
50
PAL
D
A C
Pakistan 220 230
50
PAL
B
B B3 C
Philippines 110 220 230
240
60
NTSC
M
A C B3 O
Saudi Arabia 127 220
50/60
SECAM
B/G
A B B3 BF C
Singapore 110 230
50
PAL
B
B3 BF
South Korea 110 220
60
NTSC
M
A C
Sri Lanka 230
50
PAL
B
C B B3
Taiwan 110 220
60
NTSC
M
A O
Thailand 220 240
50
PAL
B
A B B3 BF C
Vietnam 110 220
50
PAL
D
A C
FM radio frequencies: 66 to 73 MHz, 76 to 90 MHz, 87.5 to 108 MHz

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North America
A
BF

 
Voltage
(V)
Frequency
(Hz)
Color TVs
Plugs
Radio
Color
system
Broadcasting
LW
MW
SW
FM
Canada 120 240
60
NTSC
M
A BF
Hawaii 110 120
60
NTSC
M
A
Mexico 110 120 220
60
NTSC
M
A
USA 120
60
NTSC
M
A
FM radio frequencies: 66 to 73 MHz, 76 to 90 MHz, 87.5 to 108 MHz

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South America
A
B3
BF
C
O

 
Voltage
(V)
Frequency
(Hz)
Color TVs
Plugs
Radio
Color
system
Broadcasting
LW
MW
SW
FM
Argentina 220
50
PAL
N
CBFO
Brazil 110 220
60
PAL
M
AC
Chile 220
50
NTSC
M
CB3
Colombia 110 120 150
50
NTSC
M
A
Peru 220
60
NTSC
M
AC
FM radio frequencies: 66 to 73 MHz, 76 to 90 MHz, 87.5 to 108 MHz

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Africa
B
B3
BF
C

 
Voltage
(V)
Frequency
(Hz)
Color TVs
Plugs
Radio
Color
system
Broadcasting
LW
MW
SW
FM
Egypt 220
50
PAL
B/G
B3BFC
Kenya 240
50
PAL
B
CB3BF
South Africa 220 230 250
50
PAL
I
CBB3BF
FM radio frequencies: 66 to 73 MHz, 76 to 90 MHz, 87.5 to 108 MHz

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   Diagrams of Adapter Plugs
A
This is a plug with two flat parallel prongs. It is used in North America (United States) and in many other countries including Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica and Venezuela.		 B

This is a plug with two flat parallel prongs with a grounding pin. It is used in the same areas as plug A.

C
This plug is ungrounded and has two round prongs and can be used in most of the countries in continental Europe, & also widely used in South Africa.		 D
This plug is the old British Standard and is used almost exclusively in India & also in wide usage in South Africa. This plug has three larger round pins in a triangular pattern.
E

Plug E is similar to C except it is round and has the addition of a female contact to accept the grounding pin in the socket. This is primarily used in France and Belgium.		 F
Plug E is similar to C except it is round and has the addition of two grounding clips on the side of the plug. This is refered to as "Schuko" style and is used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
G
This plug has three prongs (two flat and one rectangular) that form a triangle, and is widely used in Great Britain.		 H
Primarily used in Australia, this plug has two flat prongs like the type A plug, but they form a V-shape rather than being parallel like A plugs.
I
This is the grounded version of the Australian plug, this plug has two flat prongs like the type B plug, but they form a V-shape rather than being parallel like B plugs.		 J
This plug is similar to I, but not compatible. It is used exclusively in Isreal
K
Plug K is similar to C except it is round and has the addition of a grounding pin This is primarily used in Denmark.		 L
Plug L is similar to C except it has the addition of a grounding pin This is primarily used in Switzerland.
M
Plug M is similar to C except it has the addition of a center grounding pin This is primarily used in Italy.		  

Notes: You may find places where voltage or plug types differ from those listed here. We accepts no responsibility for errors and/or omissions in these pages. O type sockets will accept two-pin plugs. However there is the risk that the appliance will not work unless all three pins are connected.

Travel-Island.com 2004, 2008