Mains Power Systems

Mains electricity by country includes a list of countries and territories, with the plugs, voltages and frequencies they commonly use for providing electrical power to low voltage appliances, equipment, and lighting typically found in homes and offices. (For industrial machinery, see industrial and multiphase power plugs and sockets.) Some countries have more than one voltage available. For example, in North America, a unique split-phase system is used to supply to most premises that works by center tapping a 240 volt transformer. This system is able to concurrently provide 240 volts and 120 volts. Consequently, this allows homeowners to wire up both 240 V and 120 V circuits as they wish (as regulated by local building codes). Most sockets are connected to 120 V for the use of small appliances and electronic devices, while larger appliances such as dryers, electric ovens, ranges and EV chargers use dedicated 240 V sockets. Different sockets are mandated for different voltage or maximum current levels.

Voltage, frequency, and plug type vary, but large regions may use common standards. Physical compatibility of receptacles may not ensure compatibility of voltage, frequency, or connection to earth (ground), including plugs and cords. In some areas, older standards may still exist. Foreign enclaves, extraterritorial government installations, or buildings frequented by tourists may support plugs not otherwise used in a country, for the convenience of travellers.

Main reference sourceIEC World Plugs

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) publishes a web microsite ''World Plugs''World Plugs
'' International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).'' Retrieved 23 March 2025. . which provides the main source for this page, except where other sources are indicated. ''World Plugs'' includes some history, a description of plug types, and a list of countries giving the type(s) used and the mains voltage and frequency.

Although useful for quick reference, especially for travellers, ''IEC World Plugs'' may not be regarded as totally accurate, as illustrated by the examples in the plugs section below, and errors may exist.

Voltages

Voltages in this article are the nominal single-phase supply voltages, or split-phase supply voltages. Three-phase and industrial loads may have other voltages.

All voltages are root mean square (RMS) voltage; the peak AC voltage is greater by a factor of $\sqrt$, and the peak-to-peak voltage greater by a factor of $2\sqrt.$

Amperage

Many countries with a voltage around 120 V use 10 A for regular usage and 15 or 16 A for high-power applications (heaters, motors). Appliances may include batteries and/or supercapacitors to compensate for the lack of outlets above 10 A, or to further increase the usable power beyond the maximum output of 15 or 16 A outlets (if such are available). Due to the high cost of those appliances, applications that require high power at low cost are much less common in 120 V countries (for example, electric kettles are rare in North America).

Some countries with a voltage around 230 V use 10 A for regular usage and 15 or 16 A for high-power applications. In such cases, 15 and 16 A outlets may be much less common, since 10 A at 230 V already provides considerably more power than even the high-power (16 A) outlets in 120 V countries. Throughout most of Europe and in other countries that use type E (French) or type F (Schuko) sockets, all wall-mounted sockets supply 16 A.

Plugs

The system of plug types using a single letter (from A to O) used here is from ''World Plugs'', which defines the plug type letters in terms of a general description, without making reference to specific standards. Where a plug does not have a specific letter code assigned to it, then it may be defined by the style sheet number listed in IEC TR 60083.

Identification guide

A plug.jpg, Type A (NEMA 1–15, US 2 pin); max 15 A at 125 V, ungrounded
B plug.jpg, Type B (NEMA 5–15, US 3 pin); max 15 A at 125 V
Euro-Flachstecker 2.jpg, Type C (CEE 7/16, Europlug); max 2.5 A, ungrounded
CEE_7-17_plug.jpg, CEE 7/17 2-pin plug; max 16 A, ungrounded
D plug.jpg, Type D (BS 546 5 A); max 5/6 A
E plug and socket.jpg, Type E (French) – CEE 7/6 plug & CEE 7/5 socket; max 16 A
Schuko plug and socket.png, Type F ("Schuko") – CEE 7/4 plug & CEE 7/3 socket; max 16 A
CEE 7-7.jpg, CEE 7/7 plug (combines earthing methods of Types E and F); max 16 A
UK BS 1363 plug and socket (IEC Type G).png, Type G ( BS 1363 UK); max 13 A
Israeli-type-H-plugs-and-socket.jpg, Type H (SI 32 Israel); max 16 A
I plug.jpg, Type I (AS/NZS 3112, GB/T 1002, IRAM 2073 and 2071); Argentinian version has reversed polarity compared to Chinese and Australasian versions; max 10–20 A
J plug - 1.jpg, Type J (SN 441011, Switzerland); max 10 A; a variant rated for 16 A has rectangular pins
K plug typical.jpg, Type K (SRAF 1962/DB Denmark); max 16 A
L plug.jpg, Type L (CEI 23-50); max 10–16 A
M plug.jpg, Type M (15 A BS 546); max 15/16 A
NBR 14136 plugs and outlet.jpg, Type N ( IEC 60906-1; Brazil, Paraguay, South Africa); max 10–20 A
Thai TIS 166-2549 mains plug.jpg, Type O (Thai TIS 166-2549 mains plug); max 16 A
Multi plug.jpg, So-called "universal socket" which meets no standard but accepts a number of different plug types (criticized as non-compliant and unsafe)

Table of mains voltages, frequencies, and plugs

Notes

See also

* Delta-wye transformer
* Electrical wiring
* Electric power transmission
* Electrification
* Electrical grid
* List of railway electrification systems
* Mains electricity

References

External links

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{{Electricity delivery

Electricity
Electric power
Electrical-engineering-related lists
Electrical standards
Electrical wiring
Energy-related lists by country
Mains power connectors
Technology-related lists by country

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