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Electricity Standards for Each Country Around the World

Great Information provided by: http://www.worldstandards.eu/

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There is no standard mains voltage throughout the world and also the frequency, i.e. the number of times the current changes direction per second, is not everywhere the same. Moreover, plug shapes, plug holes, plug sizes and sockets are also different in many countries. Those seemingly unimportant differences, however, have some unpleasant consequences.

Most appliances bought overseas simply cannot be connected to the wall outlets at home. There are only two ways to solve this problem: you just cut off the original plug and replace it with the one that is standard in your country, or you buy an unhandy and ugly adapter.

While it is easy to buy a plug adapter or a new "local" plug for your "foreign" appliances, in many cases this only solves half the problem, because it doesn't help with the possible voltage disparity. A 120-volt electrical appliance designed for use in North America or Japan will provide a nice fireworks display - complete with sparks and smoke - if plugged into a European socket.

It goes without saying that the lack of a single voltage, frequency and globally standardized plugs entail many extra costs for manufacturers and increase the burden on the environment. Pure waste and unnecessary pollution !

Single-phase voltage and frequency

Look-up table (single-phase voltage, frequency and plug/sockets)
Plugs and sockets
What do I need to use my appliances abroad ?
Why can only “electric” appliances be used with a converter, and not “electronic” ones ?
Trick to know the local voltage and frequency
Three-phase voltage, frequency and number of wires

Manufacturer and Developer of
Electricity Monitor and Control System

Single-phase voltage and frequency

Europe and most other countries in the world use a voltage which is twice that of the US. It is between 220 and 240 volts, whereas in Japan and in most of the Americas the voltage is between 100 and 127 volts.

The system of three-phase alternating current electrical generation and distribution was invented by a nineteenth century creative genius named Nicola Tesla. He made many careful calculations and measurements and found out that 60 Hz (Hertz, cycles per second) was the best frequency for alternating current (AC) power generating. He preferred 240 volts, which put him at odds with Thomas Edison, whose direct current (DC) systems were 110 volts. Perhaps Edison had a useful point in the safety factor of the lower voltage, but DC couldn't provide the power to a distance that AC could.

When the German company AEG built the first European electricity generating facility, its engineers decided to fix the frequency at 50 Hz, because the number 60 didn't fit the metric standard unit sequence (1, 2, 5). At that time, AEG had a virtual monopoly and their standard spread to the rest of the continent. In Britain, differing frequencies proliferated, and only after World War II the 50-cycle standard was established.

Originally Europe was 120 V too, just like Japan and the US today. It has been deemed necessary to increase voltage to get more power with less losses and voltage drop from the same copper wire diameter. At the time the US also wanted to change but because of the cost involved to replace all electric appliances, they decided not to. At the time (50s-60s) the average US household already had a fridge, a washing-machine, etc., but not in Europe.

The end result is that the US is still evolving from the 50s and 60s, and - mostly in older buildings - still copes with problems as light bulbs that burn out rather quickly when they are close to the transformer (too high a voltage), or just the other way round: not enough voltage at the end of the line (105 to 127 volt spread !).

Note that currently all new American buildings get in fact 240 volts split in two 120 between neutral and hot wire. Major appliances, such as virtually all drying machines and ovens, are now connected to 240 volts. Mind, Americans who have European equipment shouldn't connect it to these outlets. Although it may work on some appliances, it will definitely not be the case for all of your equipment.

Different Voltages for Each Country Around the World

Look-up table (single-phase voltage, frequency and plug/sockets)

There are 214 countries listed below. 175 of the countries mentioned use 220-240 volts (50 or 60 Hz). The 39 other countries use 100-127 volts.

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

COUNTRY
SINGLE-PHASE VOLTAGE
FREQUENCY
PLUG TYPE
SOCKET TYPE
Afghanistan
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Albania
230 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Algeria
230 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
American Samoa
120 V
60 Hz
A / B / F / I A / B / F / I
Andorra
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Angola
220 V
50 Hz
C C
Anguilla
110 V
60 Hz
A A
Antigua
230 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Argentina
220 V
50 Hz
C / I * C / I *
Armenia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Aruba
120 V
60 Hz
A / B / F A / B / F
Australia
240 V
50 Hz
I I
Austria
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Azerbaijan 220 V 50 Hz C / F C / F
Azores
230 V
50 Hz
B / C / F B / C / F
Bahamas
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Bahrain
230 V
50 Hz
G G
Balearic Islands
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Bangladesh
220 V
50 Hz
C / D / G / K C / D / G / K
Barbados
115 V
50 Hz
A / B A / B
Belarus 220 V 50 Hz C / F C / F
Belgium
230 V
50 Hz
C / E E
Belize
110 V / 220 V
60 Hz
B / G B / G
Benin
220 V
50 Hz
C / E E
Bermuda
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Bhutan
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / F / G D / F / G
Burma (officially Myanmar)
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / F / G C / D / F / G
Bolivia
230 V
50 Hz
A / C A / C
Bosnia & Herzegovina
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Botswana
230 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
Brazil
127 V / 220 V *
60 Hz
C / N N **
Brunei
240 V
50 Hz
G G
Bulgaria
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Burkina Faso
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Burundi
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Cambodia
230 V
50 Hz
A / C / G A / C / G
Cameroon
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Canada
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Canary Islands
230 V
50 Hz
C / E / L C / E / L
Cape Verde
230 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Cayman Islands
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Central African Republic
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Chad
220 V
50 Hz
C / D / E / F D / E / F
Channel Islands (Guernsey & Jersey)
230 V
50 Hz
C / G C / G
Chile
220 V
50 Hz
C / L C / L
China, People's Republic of
220 V
50 Hz
A / C / I A/ C / I
Colombia
110 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Comoros
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Congo, People's Rep. of
230 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Congo, Dem. Rep. of (formerly Zaire)
220 V
50 Hz
C / D / E C / D / E
Cook Islands
240 V
50 Hz
I I
Costa Rica
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Croatia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Cuba
110 V / 220 V
60 Hz
A / B / C / L A / B / C / L
Cyprus
230 V
50 Hz
C / G / F *** G / F ***
Czech Republic
230 V
50 Hz
C / E E
Denmark
230 V
50 Hz
C / E / K E / K
Djibouti
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Dominica
230 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
Dominican Republic
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
East Timor
220 V
50 Hz
C / E / F / I C / E / F / I
Ecuador
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Egypt
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
El Salvador
115 V
60 Hz
A / B / C / D / E / F / G / I / J / L A / B / C / D / E / F / G / I / J / L
Equatorial Guinea
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Eritrea
230 V
50 Hz
C / L C / L
Estonia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Ethiopia
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Faeroe Islands
230 V
50 Hz
C / K K
Falkland Islands
240 V
50 Hz
G G
Fiji
240 V
50 Hz
I I
Finland
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
France
230 V
50 Hz
C / E E
French Guyana
220 V
50 Hz
C / D / E C / D / E
Gabon (Gabonese Republic)
220 V
50 Hz
C C
Gambia
230 V
50 Hz
G G
Gaza
230 V
50 Hz
H H
Georgia
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Germany
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Ghana
230 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
Gibraltar
230 V
50 Hz
C / G C / G
Greece
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Greenland
230 V
50 Hz
C / K K
Grenada (Windward Islands)
230 V
50 Hz
G G
Guadeloupe
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / E C / D / E
Guam
110 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Guatemala
120 V
60 Hz
A / B / G / I A / B / G / I
Guinea
220 V
50 Hz
C / F / K C / F / K
Guinea-Bissau
220 V
50 Hz
C C
Guyana
240 V
60 Hz
A / B / D / G A / B / D / G
Haiti
110 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Honduras
110 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Hong Kong
220 V
50 Hz
G G
Hungary
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Iceland
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
India
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / M C / D / M
Indonesia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Iran
230 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Iraq
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / G C / D / G
Ireland (Eire)
230 V
50 Hz
G G
Isle of Man
230 V
50 Hz
C / G C / G
Israel
230 V
50 Hz
C / H H
Italy
230 V
50 Hz
C / F / L F / L
Jamaica
110 V
50 Hz
A / B A / B
Japan
100 V
50 Hz / 60 Hz **
A / B A / B
Jordan
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / F / G / J C / D / F / G / J
Kenya
240 V
50 Hz
G G
Kazakhstan
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Kiribati
240 V
50 Hz
I I
Korea, North
110 V / 220 V
60 Hz
A / C A / C
Korea, South
110V / 220 V
60 Hz
A / B / C / F A / B / C / F
Kuwait
240 V
50 Hz
C / G C / G
Kyrgyzstan 220 V 50 Hz C / F C / F
Laos
230 V
50 Hz
A / B / C / E / F A / B / C / E / F
Latvia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Lebanon
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / G C / D / G
Lesotho
220 V
50 Hz
M M
Liberia
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Libya
127 V / 230 V
50 Hz
C / D / F D / F
Liechtenstein
230 V
50 Hz
C / J J
Lithuania
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Luxembourg
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Macau
220 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
Macedonia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Madagascar
127 V / 220 V
50 Hz
C / D / E / J / K C / D / E / J / K
Madeira
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Malawi
230 V
50 Hz
G G
Malaysia
240 V
50 Hz
G G
Maldives
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / G / J / K / L D / G / J / K / L
Mali
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Malta
230 V
50 Hz
G G
Martinique
220 V
50 Hz
C / D / E C / D / E
Mauritania
220 V
50 Hz
C C
Mauritius
230 V
50 Hz
C / G C / G
Mexico
127 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Micronesia, Federal States of
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Moldova 230 V 50 Hz C / F C / F
Monaco
230 V
50 Hz
C / E / F E / F
Mongolia
230 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Montenegro
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Montserrat (Leeward Islands)
230 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Morocco
220 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Mozambique
220 V
50 Hz
C / F / M C / F / M
Myanmar (formerly Burma)
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / F / G C / D / F / G
Namibia
220 V
50 Hz
D / M D / M
Nauru
240 V
50 Hz
I I
Nepal
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / M C / D / M
Netherlands
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Netherlands Antilles
127 V / 220 V
50 Hz
A / B / C / F A / B / F
New Caledonia
220 V
50 Hz
C / F F
New Zealand
230 V
50 Hz
I I
Nicaragua
120 V
60 Hz
A A
Niger
220 V
50 Hz
A / B / C / D / E / F A / B / C / D / E / F
Nigeria
230 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
North Korea
110 V / 220 V
60 Hz
A / C A / C
Norway
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Oman
240 V
50 Hz
C / G C / G
Pakistan
230 V
50 Hz
C / D C / D
Palau
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Panama
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Papua New Guinea
240 V
50 Hz
I I
Paraguay
220 V
50 Hz
C C
Peru
220 V
60 Hz
A / B / C A / B / C
Philippines
220 V
60 Hz
A / B / C A / B / C
Poland
230 V
50 Hz
C / E E
Portugal
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Puerto Rico
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Qatar
240 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
Réunion Island
230 V
50 Hz
C / E E
Romania
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Russian Federation
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Rwanda
230 V
50 Hz
C / J C / J
St. Kitts and Nevis (Leeward Islands)
230 V
60 Hz
D / G D / G
St. Lucia (Windward Islands)
230 V
50 Hz
G G
St. Vincent (Windward Islands)
230 V
50 Hz
A / C / E / G / I / K A / C / E / G / I / K
Samoa
230 V
50 Hz
I I
San Marino
230 V
50 Hz
C / F / L F / L
Saudi Arabia
127 V / 220 V ***
60 Hz
A / B / C / G A / B / C / G
Senegal
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / E / K C / D / E / K
Serbia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Seychelles
240 V
50 Hz
G G
Sierra Leone
230 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
Singapore
230 V
50 Hz
G G
Slovakia
230 V
50 Hz
C / E E
Slovenia
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Somalia
220 V
50 Hz
C C
South Africa
230 V
50 Hz
D / M **** D / M ****
South Korea
110V / 220 V
60 Hz
A / B / C / F A / B / C / F
Spain
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Sri Lanka
230 V
50 Hz
D / G / M D / G / M
Sudan
230 V
50 Hz
C / D C / D
Suriname
127 V
60 Hz
C / F C / F
Swaziland
230 V
50 Hz
M M
Sweden
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Switzerland
230 V
50 Hz
C / J J
Syria
220 V
50 Hz
C / E / L C / E / L
Tahiti
220 V
50 Hz / 60 Hz****
C / E C / E
Tajikistan
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Taiwan
110 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Tanzania
230 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G
Thailand
220 V
50 Hz
A / B / C / G A / B / C / G
Togo
220 V
50 Hz
C C
Tonga
240 V
50 Hz
I I
Trinidad & Tobago
115 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Tunisia
230 V
50 Hz
C / E C / E
Turkey
230 V
50 Hz
C / F F
Turkmenistan
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Turks and Caicos Islands
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Uganda
240 V
50 Hz
G G
Ukraine
230 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
United Arab Emirates
240 V
50 Hz
G G
United Kingdom
230 V
50 Hz
G G
United States of America
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Uruguay
220 V
50 Hz
C / F / I / L C / F / I / L
Uzbekistan
220 V
50 Hz
C / F C / F
Venezuela
120 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Vietnam
220 V
50 Hz
A / C / G A / C / G
Virgin Islands
110 V
60 Hz
A / B A / B
Yemen, Rep. of
230 V
50 Hz
A / D / G A / D / G
Zambia
230 V
50 Hz
C / D / G C / D / G
Zimbabwe
240 V
50 Hz
D / G D / G

* In Brazil there is no standard voltage. Click here for an exhaustive list of all 27 Brazilian federative units and their respective voltages.

** Although the mains voltage in Japan is the same everywhere, the frequency differs from region to region. Eastern Japan uses predominantly 50 Hz (Tokyo, Kawasaki, Sapporo, Yokohama, Sendai), whereas Western Japan prefers 60 Hz (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima).

*** Saudi Arabia uses 127 V in many parts of the country, such as the Dammam and al-Khobar area (situated in the eastern province of Ash Sharqiyah). 220 V can be commonly found as well, especially in hotels.

**** In Tahiti the frequency is 60 Hz, except for the Marquesas archipelago where it is 50 Hz.

Plugs and sockets
(Look-up table)

When electricity was first introduced into the domestic environment it was primarily for lighting. However, as it became a viable alternative to other means of heating and also the development of labour saving appliances, a means of connection to the supply other than via a light socket was required. In the 1920s, the two-prong plug made its appearance.

At that time, some electricity companies operated a split tariff system where the cost of electricity for lighting was lower than that for other purposes, which led to low wattage appliances (e.g. vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, etc.) being connected to the light fitting. The picture below shows a 1909 electric toaster with a lightbulb socket plug.

As the need for safer installations grew, three-pin outlets were developed. The third pin on the outlet was an earth pin, which was effectively connected to earth, this being at the same potential as the neutral supply line. The idea behind it was that in the event of a short circuit to earth, a fuse would blow, thus disconnecting the supply.

The reason why we are now stuck with no less than 13 different styles of plugs and wall outlets, is because many countries preferred to develop a plug of their own, instead of adopting the US standard. Moreover, the plugs and sockets are only very rarely compatible, which makes it often necessary to replace the plug when you buy appliances abroad.

Below is a brief outline of the plugs and sockets used around the world in domestic environment. The outline map below visualises the spread of the different plug types used around the world. For easy reference, compatible plug types are represented with the same colour.

 

TYPE A

(used in, among others, North and Central America and Japan) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type A)

This class II ungrounded plug with two flat parallel prongs is pretty much standard in most of North and Central America. At first glance, the Japanese plug and socket seem to be identical to this standard. However, the Japanese plug has two identical flat prongs, whereas the US plug has one prong which is slightly larger. Therefore it is no problem to use Japanese plugs in the US, but the opposite does not work often. Furthermore, Japanese standard wire sizes and the resulting current ratings are different than those used on the American continent.

Type A and B plugs have two flat prongs with a hole near the tip. These holes aren't there without a reason. If you were to take apart a type A or B socket and look at the contact wipers that the prongs slide into, you would find that in some cases they have have bumps on them. These bumps fit into the holes so that the outlet can grip the plug’s prongs more firmly. This prevents the plug from slipping out of the socket due to the weight of the plug and cord. It also improves the contact between the plug and the outlet. Some sockets, however, don't have those bumps but just two spring-action blades that grip the sides of the plug pin, in which case the holes aren't necessary.

There are also some special outlets which allow you to lock the cord into the socket, by putting rods through the holes. This way, for example vending machines cannot be unplugged. Moreover, electrical devices can be "factory-sealed" by the manufacturer using a plastic tie or a small padlock through one or both of the plug prong holes. For example, a manufacturer might apply a plastic band through the hole and attach it to a tag that says: "You must do X or Y before plugging in this device". The user cannot plug in the device without removing the tag, so the user is sure to see the tag.

Type A and B plugs are among the most dangerous ones in the world: the prongs are not insulated (i.e. the pins don't have a black covering towards the plug body like type C, G, I, L or N plugs), which means that if a type A or B plug is pulled halfway out, its prongs are still connected to the socket! Little children run the risk of electrocuting themselves when pulling such a plug out and putting their fingers around it.

TYPE B

(used in, among others, North and Central America and Japan) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type B)

This is a class I plug with two flat parallel prongs and a grounding pin (American standard NEMA 5-15/Canadian standard CS22.2, n°42). It is rated at 15 amps and although this plug is also standard in Japan, it is less frequently used than in North America. Consequently, most appliances sold in Japan use a class II ungrounded plug. As is the case with the type A standard, the Japanese type B plugs and sockets are slightly different from their American counterparts.

An ungrounded version of the North American NEMA 5-15 plug is commonly used in Central America and parts of South America. It is therefore common for equipment users to simply cut off the grounding pin that the plug can be mated with a two-pole ungrounded socket.

Type A and B plugs are among the most dangerous ones in the world: the prongs are not insulated (i.e. the pins don't have a black covering towards the plug body like type C, G, I, L or N plugs), which means that if a type A or B plug is pulled halfway out, its prongs are still connected to the socket! Little children run the risk of electrocuting themselves when pulling such a plug out and putting their fingers around it.

TYPE C

(used in all countries of Europe except the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type C)

This two-wire plug is ungrounded and has two round prongs. It is popularly known as the europlug which is described in CEE 7/16. This is probably the single most widely used international plug. It will mate with any socket that accepts 4.0 - 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. The plug is generally limited for use in class II applications that require 2.5 amps or less. It is, of course, unpolarised. It is commonly used in all countries of Europe except the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is also used in various parts of the developing world. Whereas type C plugs are very commonly used, this is not the case for type C sockets. This kind of socket is the older and ungrounded variant of socket types E, F, J, K and N. Nowadays most countries demand grounded sockets to be installed in new buildings. Since type C sockets are ungrounded, they have become illegal almost everywhere and they are being replaced by type E, F, J, K or N (depending on the country). So as to leave no doubt: only the sockets have become illegal, the plugs remain in use of course. A type C plug fits perfectly into a type E, F, J, K or N socket.

TYPE D

(used almost exclusively in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type D)

India has standardised on a plug which was originally defined in British Standard 546 (the standard in Great Britain before 1962). This plug has three large round pins in a triangular pattern. It is rated at 5 amps. Type M, which has larger pins and is rated at 15 amps, is used alongside type D for larger appliances in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia. Some sockets can take both type M and type D plugs.

Although type D is now almost exclusively used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia, it can still occasionally be found in hotels and theatres in the UK and Ireland. It should be noted that tourists should not attempt to connect anything to a BS546 round-pin outlet found in the UK or Ireland as it is likely to be on a circuit that has a special purpose: e.g. for providing direct current (DC) or for plugging in lamps that are controlled by a light switch or a dimmer.

Type D plugs are among the most dangerous ones in the world: the prongs are not insulated (i.e. the pins don't have a black covering towards the plug body like type C, G, I, L or N plugs), which means that if a type D plug is pulled halfway out, its prongs are still connected to the socket! Little children run the risk of electrocuting themselves when pulling such a plug out and putting their fingers around it.

TYPE E

(primarily used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type E)

France, Belgium and some other countries have standardised on a socket which is different from the CEE 7/4 socket (type F) that is standard in Germany and other continental European countries. The reason for incompatibility is that grounding in the E socket is accomplished with a round male pin permanently mounted in the socket. The plug itself is similar to C except that it is round and has the addition of a female contact to accept the grounding pin in the socket. It has two 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. In order to bridge the differences between sockets E and F, the CEE 7/7 plug was developed (see photo above): it has grounding clips on both sides to mate with the type F socket and a female contact to accept the grounding pin of the type E socket. The original type E plug, which does not have grounding clips, is no longer used, although very rarely it can still be found on some older appliances. Note that the CEE 7/7 plug is polarised when used with a type E outlet. The plug is rated at 16 amps. Above that, equipment must either be wired permanently to the mains or connected via another higher power connector such as the IEC 309 system. A type C plug fits perfectly into a type E socket.

TYPE F

(used in, among others, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Spain and Eastern Europe) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type F)

Plug F, known as CEE 7/4 and commonly called "Schuko plug", which is the acronym of "Schutzkontakt", a German word meaning "earthed/grounded contact". The plug was designed in Germany shortly after the First World War. It is similar to C except that it is round and has the addition of two grounding clips on the side of the plug. It has two 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. Because the CEE 7/4 plug can be inserted in either direction into the receptacle, the Schuko connection system is unpolarised (i.e. line and neutral are connected at random). It is used in applications up to 16 amps. Above that, equipment must either be wired permanently to the mains or connected via another higher power connector such as the IEC 309 system. In order to bridge the differences between sockets E and F, the CEE 7/7 plug was developed (see photo above). This plug, which is shown above, has grounding clips on both sides to mate with the type F socket and a female contact to accept the grounding pin of the type E socket. The original type F plug, which does not have this female contact, is still available at the DIY shops but only in a rewireable version. A type C plug fits perfectly into a type F socket.

TYPE G

(mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type G)

This plug has three rectangular prongs that form a triangle. British Standard BS 1363 requires use of a three-wire grounded and fused plug for all connections to the power mains (including class II, two-wire appliances). British power outlets incorporate shutters on line and neutral contacts to prevent someone from pushing a foreign object into the socket.

The British domestic electrical system uses a ring circuit in the building which is rated for 30 amps (5 amps for lighting circuits which are usually spurs). Moreover, there is also a fusing in the plug; a cartridge fuse, usually of 3 amps for small appliances like radios etc. and 13 amps for heavy duty appliances such as heaters. Almost everywhere else in the world a spur main system is used. In this system each wall socket, or group of sockets, has a fuse at the main switchboard whereas the plug has none. So if you take some foreign appliance to the UK, you can use an adaptor, but technically it must incorporate the correct value fuse. Most would have a 13 amps one, too big for the computer for example. BS 1363 was published in 1962 and since that time it has gradually replaced the earlier standard plugs and sockets (type D) (BS 546).

British plugs are no doubt the safest in the world, but also the most hulking and cumbersome. That's why people often make fun of them saying that British plugs are mostly bigger than the appliance they're connected to...

TYPE H

(used exclusively in Israel) (Click here for a complete list of all countries with their respective plugs/sockets)

This plug is unique to Israel. It has two flat prongs like the type B plug, but they form a V-shape rather than being parallel. Type H plugs have got a grounding pin as well and are rated at 16 amps. In 1989 Israel standardised on a new version of the type H socket: the holes were made round in order to accommodate type C plugs as well. The slots for the prongs have widenings in the middle specifically to allow type C prongs to fit in. The flat-bladed type H plugs (lower picture) are currently being phased out in favour of round-pinned ones (upper picture). This plug is also used in the West Bank and all of the Gaza Strip.

Type H plugs are among the most dangerous ones in the world: the prongs are not insulated (i.e. the pins don't have a black covering towards the plug body like type C, G, I, L or N plugs), which means that if a type H plug is pulled halfway out, its prongs are still connected to the socket! Little children run the risk of electrocuting themselves when pulling such a plug out and putting their fingers around it.

TYPE I

(mainly used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type I)

This plug has also a grounding pin and two flat prongs forming a V-shape. There is an ungrounded version of this plug as well, with only two flat V-shaped prongs. Australia’s standard plug/socket system is described in SAA document AS 3112 and is used in applications up to 10 amps. A plug/socket configuration with rating at 15 amps (ground pin is wider: 8 mm instead of 6.35 mm) is also available. A standard 10 amp plug will fit into a 15 amp outlet, but a 15 amp plug only fits this special 15 amp socket. There is also a 20 amp plug whose prongs are wider still. A lower-amperage plug will always fit into a higher-amperage outlet but not vice versa. Although there are slight differences, the Australian plug mates with the socket used in the People's Republic of China (mainland China).

TYPE J

(used almost exclusively in Switzerland and Liechtenstein) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type J)

Switzerland has its own standard which is described in SEC 1011. This plug is similar to C, except that it has the addition of a grounding pin. Type J looks very much like the Brazilian type N standard, but it is incompatible with it since type J has the earth pin further away from the centre line than type N (5 mm instead of 3 mm). This connector system is rated for use in applications up to 10 amps. Above 10 amps, equipment must be either wired permanently to the electrical supply system with appropriate branch circuit protection or connected to the mains with an appropriate high power industrial connector. A type C plug fits perfectly into a type J socket.

Type J plugs are among the most dangerous ones in the world: the prongs are not insulated (i.e. the pins don't have a black covering towards the plug body like type C, G, I, L or N plugs), which means that if a type J plug is pulled halfway out, its prongs are still connected to the socket! Little children run the risk of electrocuting themselves when pulling such a plug out and putting their fingers around it.

TYPE K

(used almost exclusively in Denmark and Greenland) (Click here for a complete list of all countries with their respective plugs/sockets)

The Danish standard is described in Afsnit 107-2-D1. The plug is similar to F except that it has a grounding pin instead of grounding clips. A type C plug fits perfectly into a type K socket. The Danish socket will also accept either the CEE 7/4 or CEE 7/7 plugs: however, there is no grounding connection with these plugs because a male ground pin is required on the plug. Because of the huge amount of E/F plugs in Denmark, the Danish government decided to make it legal to install type E instead of type K sockets from 2008 onwards.

TYPE L

(used almost exclusively in Italy and randomly found throughout North Africa) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type L)

The Italian grounded plug/socket standard, CEI 23-16/VII, includes two styles rated at 10 and 16 amps. They differ in terms of contact diameter and spacing, and are therefore incompatible with each other or with any other type of plug. The prongs of the 10 amp version are 4 mm thick and 5.5 mm apart, whereas those of the 16 amp version are 5 mm thick and 8 mm apart. The plugs are similar to C, but they are earthed by means of a centre grounding pin and their dimensions are completely different. Since they can be inserted in either direction at random, they are unpolarised. Nowadays there are also "universal" sockets available, of which there are two kinds: the last socket but one on the right is the so-called "bipasso" socket, which accepts L and C plugs, and the last one on the right looks exactly like a type F socket (with grounding clips), but it also has a grounding hole in the middle. This universal "schuko" socket accepts C, E, F and L plugs.

TYPE M

(used almost exclusively in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho) (Click here for a complete list of all countries that use type M)

This plug resembles the Indian type D plug, but its pins are much larger. Type M is rated at 15 amps. Although type D is standard in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia, type M is also used for larger appliances. Some sockets over there can take both type M and type D plugs. Type M is also used in Israel for heavy appliances such as air-conditioning circuits (in cases where wall-mounted units are plugged in to a dedicated socket) and certain types of washing machines.

Type M plugs are among the most dangerous ones in the world: the prongs are not insulated (i.e. the pins don't have a black covering towards the plug body like type C, G, I, L or N plugs), which means that if a type M plug is pulled halfway out, its prongs are still connected to the socket! Little children run the risk of electrocuting themselves when pulling such a plug out and putting their fingers around it.

TYPE N

(used exclusively in Brazil) (Click here for a complete list of all countries with their respective plugs/sockets)

The above type N socket and plug are the official standard in Brazil. This standard was gradually phased in between 2007 and 2010. Type N looks very much like the Swiss type J standard, but it is incompatible with it since type N has the earth pin closer to the centre line than type J (3 mm instead of 5 mm). Type N consists of two pins and a grounding pin. There are two versions: one is rated at 10 amps and has got a pin diameter of 4 mm. The second version, rated at 20 amps, is used for heavier appliances and has a 4.8 mm pin diameter. Type N sockets were specifically designed to accommodate the ubiquitous type C plugs as well.

Type N is actually based on the international standard 230 V household plug system, called IEC 60906-1. In 1986, the International Electrotechnical Commission published this standard, which was intended to become the common standard for the whole of Europe (and, by extension, all other regions with 230 V mains). Unfortunately, the effort to adopt it as a European Union standard was put on hold in the mid-1990s. Brazil had been using as many as 10 (!) different types of plugs and sockets, including the frequently used type C. In order to put an end to this proliferation of different types of sockets and plugs, the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT)) published the standard NBR 14136 in 2001 and started implementing it in 2007. This Norma Brasileira 14136, however, is not completely identical to IEC 60906-1. The biggest difference is the fact that the Brazilian standard has a pin diameter of 4mm for the 10A plug and 4.8mm for the 20A plug, while the original IEC 60906-1 standard has a single pin diameter of 4.5mm and a maximum current of 16A.

Although type N plug and socket are among the safest in the world, Brazil's standardisation on one single plug and socket does entail some risks. Why? Simply because Brazil is one of the few countries that does not have a standard voltage, but at the same time it has only one official type of socket! In other words, you cannot tell the difference between a 220 V and a 127 V socket! (Click here for an exhaustive list of all 27 Brazilian federative units and their respective voltages.) Most states use 127 V electricity, but a couple of them are on 220 V. This means that a 127 V hairdryer bought in the state of Minas Gerais will be destroyed when plugged into a compatible 220 V socket in Distrito Federal! Make sure you check out the local voltage before plugging something in! (Click here for a trick to know the local voltage.) It must be said, though, that many appliances sold in Brazil are dual voltage, but that's definitely not the case for all of them.

* Argentina has standardised on type I sockets and plugs. Type C plugs and power points are still commonly found in older buildings.

** Brazil has standardised on type N sockets and plugs. Type C plugs (not sockets!) are also legal. Types A, B and I, however, can still commonly be found, but have been declared illegal.

*** Type G plugs and sockets are used in the north as well as the south of Cyprus, whereas type F plugs and receptacles are only found in the north of the island.

**** The official South African socket and plug standard is type M. Nevertheless, appliances with a type C plug are still very commonly found and used with a plug adapter. The older type D plugs may also be found.

What do I need to use my appliances abroad ?

Plug Adapters

They do not convert electricity. They simply allow a dual-voltage appliance, a transformer or a converter from one country to be plugged into the wall outlet of another country. The plug of a Continental European appliance will not fit into an outlet in a foreign country without an adapter.

Converters

Converters and transformers both step up or down the voltage, but there is a difference in use between them. Converters should be used only with "electric" products. Electric products are simple heating devices or have mechanical motors. Examples are hair dryers, steam irons, shavers, toothbrushes or small fans. Converters are not designed for "continuous duty" and should only be used for short periods of time (1 to 2 hours). Additionally, most converters can only be used for ungrounded appliances (2 pins on the plug). Converters must be unplugged from the wall when not in use.

Transformers

Transformers also step up or down the voltage, but they are more expensive than converters and are used with "electronic" products. Electronic products have a chip or circuit. Examples are radios, CD or DVD players, shavers, camcorder battery rechargers, computers, computer printers, fax machines, televisions and answering machines. Transformers can also be used with electric appliances and may be operated continually for many days. The advantage of converters, however, is that they are lighter and less expensive.

Computers are electronic devices and therefore they must be used with a transformer, unless they are dual voltage. Fortunately, most laptop battery chargers and AC adapters are dual voltage, so they can be used with only a plug adapter for the country you will be visiting.

Transformers are sold in various sizes based on how much wattage they can support. Therefore one must pay careful attention to the wattage ratings of the appliances to be plugged into a transformer. The wattage rating of the transformer must always be larger than the wattage rating of the appliance to be plugged into it (plus a 25% buffer to allow for heat build-up in the transformer or converter). When plugging multiple items into a power strip, then into the transformer, you must calculate the combined wattage of all appliances and the power strip, then add an additional 25% to that total.

The appliance’s voltage and wattage requirements are listed on the manufacturer's label located on the back or at the bottom of the appliance. In some cases, the voltage and amperage will be listed, but not the wattage. If this is the case, simply multiply the voltage by the amperage rating to find the wattage rating (e.g. 230 V * 1 A = 230 W).

Below is a list that gives an idea what the wattage of common appliances is. Use this as a guide only. Always check your appliance first !

  • 75 watts: small, low-wattage appliances such as radios, CD players, heating pads, and some televisions.
  • 300 watts: larger radios, stereo consoles, electric blankets, sewing machines, hand mixers, small fans and most TV sets.
  • 500 watts: refrigerators, hair dryers, stand mixers, blenders and some stereo equipment.
  • 750 watts: projectors, some sewing machines and small electric broom type vacuums.
  • 1000 watts: washing machines, small heaters, some coffee makers and vacuums.
  • 1600 – 2000 watts: dishwashers, most appliances that have heating elements such as toasters, electric deep-frying pans, irons, and grills.
  • 3000 watts: heaters and air conditioners.

Transformers and converters only convert the voltage, not the frequency. The difference in cycles may cause the motor in a 50 Hz appliance to operate slightly faster when used on 60 Hz electricity. This cycle difference will cause electric clocks and timing circuits to keep incorrect time: European alarm clocks will run faster on 60 Hz electricity and American clocks will lose some 10 minutes every hour when used in Europe. However, most modern electronic equipment like battery chargers, computers, printers, stereos, DVD players, etc. are usually not affected by the difference in cycles and adjust themselves accordingly the slower cycles.

Why can only “electric” appliances be used with a converter, and not “electronic” ones ?

The difference between a converter and a transformer lies in how the device converts voltage current. Alternating current power is supplied in alternating bursts that are in a shape called a "sine wave".

To reduce 230 V to 120 V, for example, a convertor delays the start of the sine wave such that the average voltage (actually the root-mean-square) over a full wave is lowered. The high voltage peaks are unfortunately still present and this is what destroys electronic equipment, usually because the resultant voltage is rectified to the full pre-converted value. Appliances such as light bulbs and heaters don't care about those peaks and many motors also are tolerant of them.

A transformer, on the other hand, alters the amplitude of the waves. This is a critical difference because electronic devices cannot cope with high voltage peaks which are still present when lowering voltage by means of a convertor.

The converter's delaying of sine waves is a relatively simple and compact function. The transformer's alteration of sine waves is a relatively sophisticated function and requires more space. As a result, transformers are generally larger, heavier and much more expensive than converters.

Trick to know the local voltage

In case you forget to check what the local voltage is in the country you’re going to: here’s a small trick. Just take a look at the glass of an ordinary light bulb or stop at a supermarket and note what is printed on a light bulb packet !

Three-phase voltage, frequency and number of wires

Although single-phase power is more prevalent today, three phase is still chosen as the power of choice for many different types of applications. Generators at power stations supply three-phase electricity. This is a way of supplying three times as much electricity along three wires as can be supplied through two, without having to increase the thickness of the wires. It is usually used in industry to drive motors and other devices.

Three-phase electricity is by its very nature a much smoother form of electricity than single-phase or two-phase power. It is this more consistent electrical power that allows machines to run more efficiently and last many years longer than their relative machines running on the other phases. Some applications are able to work with three-phase power in ways that would not work on single phase at all.

Mind you, since three-phase electricity is rarely used for domestic purposes, the table below is only relevant to electricians, electrical engineers and other technically skilled people. Travellers should take a look at the single-phase voltage table. Look-up table (single-phase voltage, frequency and plug/sockets)

COUNTRY
THREE-PHASE VOLTAGE
FREQUENCY

NUMBER OF WIRES (not including the ground wire)

Afghanistan
380 V
50 Hz
4
Albania
400 V
50 Hz
4
Algeria
400 V
50 Hz
4
American Samoa
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Andorra
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Angola
380 V
50 Hz
4
Antigua
400 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Argentina
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Armenia
380 V
50 Hz
4
Aruba
220 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Australia
415 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Austria
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Azerbaijan 380 V 50 Hz
4
Azores
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Bahamas
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Bahrain
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Balearic Islands
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Bangladesh
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Barbados
200 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Belarus 380 V 50 Hz
4
Belgium
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Belize
190 V / 380 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Benin
380 V
50 Hz
4
Bermuda
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Bhutan
400 V
50 Hz
4
Bolivia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Bosnia & Herzegovina
400 V
50 Hz
4
Botswana
400 V
50 Hz
4
Brazil
220 V / 380 V*
60 Hz
3, 4
Brunei
415 V
50 Hz
4
Bulgaria
400 V
50 Hz
4
Burkina Faso
380 V
50 Hz
4
Burundi
380 V
50 Hz
4
Cambodia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Cameroon
380 V
50 Hz
4
Canada
120/208 V / 240 V / 480 V / 347/600 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Canary Islands
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Cape Verde
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Cayman Islands
208 V
60 Hz
3
Central African Republic
380 V
50 Hz
4
Chad
380 V
50 Hz
4
Channel Islands (Guernsey & Jersey)
400 V
50 Hz
4
Chile
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
China, People's Republic of
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Colombia
440 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Comoros
380 V
50 Hz
4
Congo, People's Rep. of
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Congo, Dem. Rep. of (formerly Zaire)
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Cook Islands
415 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Costa Rica
240 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Côte d'Ivoire 
(Ivory Coast)
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Croatia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Cuba
190 V
60 Hz
3
Cyprus
400 V
50 Hz
4
Czech Republic
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Denmark
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Djibouti
380 V
50 Hz
4
Dominica
400 V
50 Hz
4
Dominican Republic
120/208 V / 277/480 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Ecuador
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Egypt
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
El Salvador
200 V
60 Hz
3
Equatorial Guinea
[unavailable]
[unavailable]
[unavailable]
Eritrea
400 V
50 Hz
4
Estonia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Ethiopia
380 V
50 Hz
4
Faeroe Islands
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Falkland Islands
415 V
50 Hz
4
Fiji
415 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Finland
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
France
400 V
50 Hz
4
French Guyana
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Gabon
380 V
50 Hz
4
Gambia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Gaza
400 V
50 Hz
4
Georgia
380 V
50 Hz
4
Germany
400 V
50 Hz
4
Ghana
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Gibraltar
400 V
50 Hz
4
Greece
400 V
50 Hz
4
Greenland
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Grenada (Windward Islands)
400 V
50 Hz
4
Guadeloupe
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Guam
190 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Guatemala
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Guinea
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Guinea-Bissau
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Guyana
190 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Haiti
190 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Honduras
190 V
60 Hz
3
Hong Kong
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Hungary
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Iceland
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
India
400 V
50 Hz
4
Indonesia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Iran
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Iraq
400 V
50 Hz
4
Ireland (Eire)
400 V
50 Hz
4
Isle of Man
400 V
50 Hz
4
Israel
400 V
50 Hz
4
Italy
400 V
50 Hz
4
Jamaica
190 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Japan
200 V
50 Hz / 60 Hz**
3
Jordan
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Kenya
415 V
50 Hz
4
Kazakhstan
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Kiribati
[unavailable]
[unavailable]
[unavailable]
Korea, South
380 V
60 Hz
4
Kuwait
415 V
50 Hz
4
Kyrgyzstan 380 V 50 Hz
3, 4
Laos
400 V
50 Hz
4
Latvia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Lebanon
400 V
50 Hz
4
Lesotho
380 V
50 Hz
4
Liberia
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Libya
220 V / 400 V
50 Hz
4
Liechtenstein
400 V
50 Hz
4
Lithuania
400 V
50 Hz
4
Luxembourg
400 V
50 Hz
4
Macau
380 V
50 Hz
3
Macedonia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Madagascar
220 V / 380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Madeira
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Malawi
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Malaysia
415 V
50 Hz
4
Maldives
400 V
50 Hz
4
Mali
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Malta
400 V
50 Hz
4
Martinique
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Mauritania
220 V
50 Hz
3
Mauritius
400 V
50 Hz
4
Mexico
220 V / 480 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Moldova 380 V 50 Hz
4
Monaco
400 V
50 Hz
4
Mongolia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Montenegro
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Montserrat (Leeward Islands)
400 V
60 Hz
4
Morocco
380 V
50 Hz
4
Mozambique
380 V
50 Hz
4
Myanmar (formerly Burma)
400 V
50 Hz
4
Namibia
380 V
50 Hz
4
Nauru
415 V
50 Hz
4
Nepal
400 V
50 Hz
4
Netherlands
400 V
50 Hz
3
Netherlands Antilles
220 V / 380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
New Caledonia
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
New Zealand
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Nicaragua
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Niger
380 V
50 Hz
4
Nigeria
400 V
50 Hz
4
Norway
230 V / 400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Oman
415 V
50 Hz
4
Pakistan
400 V
50 Hz
3
Palau
208 V
60 Hz
3
Panama
240 V
60 Hz
3
Papua New Guinea
415 V
50 Hz
4
Paraguay
380 V
50 Hz
4
Peru
220 V
60 Hz
3
Philippines
380 V
60 Hz
3
Poland
400 V
50 Hz
4
Portugal
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Puerto Rico
208 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Qatar
415 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Réunion Island
400 V
50 Hz
4
Romania
400 V
50 Hz
4
Russian Federation
400 V
50 Hz
4
Rwanda
400 V
50 Hz
4
St. Kitts and Nevis (Leeward Islands)
400 V
60 Hz
4
St. Lucia (Windward Islands)
400 V
50 Hz
4
St. Vincent (Windward Islands)
400 V
50 Hz
4
San Marino
400 V
50 Hz
4
Saudi Arabia
220 V / 380 V***
60 Hz***
4
Senegal
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Serbia
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Seychelles
240 V
50 Hz
3
Sierra Leone
400 V
50 Hz
4
Singapore
400 V
50 Hz
4
Slovakia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Slovenia
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Somalia
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
South Africa
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Spain
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Sri Lanka
400 V
50 Hz
4
Sudan
400 V
50 Hz
4
Suriname
220 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Swaziland
400 V
50 Hz
4
Sweden
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Switzerland
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Syria
380 V
50 Hz
3
Tahiti
380 V
50 Hz / 60 Hz ****
3, 4
Tajikistan
380 V
50 Hz
3
Taiwan
220 V
60 Hz
4
Tanzania
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Thailand
380 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Togo
380 V
50 Hz
4
Tonga
415 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Trinidad & Tobago
200 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Tunisia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Turkey
400 V
50 Hz
3, 4
Turkmenistan
380 V
50 Hz
3
Uganda
415 V
50 Hz
4
Ukraine
380 V
50 Hz
4
United Arab Emirates
415 V
50 Hz
3, 4
United Kingdom
400 V
50 Hz
4
United States of America
120/208 V / 277/480 V/ 120/240 V / 240 V / 480 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Uruguay
220 V
50 Hz
3
Uzbekistan
380 V
50 Hz
4
Venezuela
240 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Vietnam
380 V
50 Hz
4
Virgin Islands
190 V
60 Hz
3, 4
Western Samoa
400 V
50 Hz
3
Yemen, Rep. of
400 V
50 Hz
4
Zambia
400 V
50 Hz
4
Zimbabwe
415 V
50 Hz
3, 4

 

* In Brazil there is no standard voltage. Click here for an exhaustive list of all 27 Brazilian federative units and their respective three-phase voltages.

** Although the mains voltage in Japan is the same everywhere, the frequency differs from region to region. Eastern Japan uses predominantly 50 Hz (Tokyo, Kawasaki, Sapporo, Yokohama, Sendai), whereas Western Japan prefers 60 Hz (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima).

*** In most parts of Saudi Arabia - such as the Dammam and al-Khobar area - 220 V three-phase electricity is used (127 V single-phase). 220 V (single-phase) and 380 V (three-phase) can be found as well.

**** In Tahiti the frequency is 60 Hz, except for the Marquesas archipelago where it is 50 Hz.

Above Great Information is quoted from: http://www.worldstandards.eu/

Many thanks to Conrad H. McGregor of http://www.worldstandards.eu/

 

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