Types of Electrical Plugs and Sockets

Electrical plug and socket 2 pin was originally invented by Harvey Hubbell and patented in 1904. Hubbell's work is also a reference to the manufacture of plug and socket and by the year 1915 after its use more widespread, although in the years 1920s home and commercial appliances still use a screw-type lamp socket base Edison.

Then plug 3 pin was created by Albert Büttner in 1926 and obtain patents from German patent agency (ED 370 538), his work is known as "Schuko". But there is also the creator of this 3 pin plug, which is Philip F. Labre, during he was still studying at Milwaukee Vocational School (MSOE) and obtain patents from the United States on June 5, 1928. Anyone penenmunya, discovery 3 pin plug or plugs this is something that is very unusual, because the aspect of human safety, so that the plug or electrical outlet of this type became the standard in almost all countries to date.

Types of Plug and Socket

The types of plug and socket are classified based on the voltage and frequency used in a country, so it can be said there are only two types are based on this classification, namely:

• For voltage 110-220 volts at a frequency of 60 hz

• For voltage 220-240 volts at a frequency of 50 hz

There are also some countries that use the plug and socket for both, see the map of the use of voltage and frequency of electricity in the world below. (Click image to view larger map)

While based on the safety plug and socket are classified into:

• Without grounding, ungrounded. Usually for a 2 pin plug, and according to the IEC standard is a class-II

• With grounding, grounded. Usually for a 3 pin plug, and according to the IEC standard is the class-I

• With grounding and fuses, fuse and grounded. Usually for a 3 pin plug.

Based on the above classifications, then the plug and socket of each state may vary, and generally the type and standard of the plug and socket are:

1. Type A, NEMA 1-15

• 2 pins with a standard NEMA 1-15 (North American 15 A/125 V ungrounded) plug type A can also be used on socket type B.

• JISC 8303, Class II (Japanese 15 A/100 V ungrounded) is a standard plug and socket in Japan are similar to the plug and socket type A, and also must pass the test of MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards).

2. Type B, NEMA 5-15

• 3 pin with a standard NEMA 5-15 (North American 15 A/125 V grounded), is a plug and socket standard in North America (Canada, the United States and Mexico), also used in Central America, Caribbean, Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela and part of Brazil, Japan, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia

• 3 pin with a standard NEMA 5-20 (North American 20 A/125 V grounded), is used for the installation of home dates beginning in 1992, with a socket slot model T.

• JIS C 8303, Class I (Japanese 15 A/100 V grounded)

3. Type C,  CEE 7 / 16

• CEE 7 / 16 (Europlug 2.5 A/250 V ungrounded), Plug is commonly used in Class II applications (ungrounded). Plug This plug is one of the most widely used internationally because it fits with any socket that can receive contacts 4.0 - 4.8 mm with a separation distance of 19 mm. This plug can be used in all European countries except Britain and Ireland (because the UK / Ireland had its own standards). But the use of this plug is generally limited to the use of Class II applications that require currents below 2.5 A and unpolarized.

• CEE 7 / 17 (German / French 16 A/250 V ungrounded), its size is almost the same as the type E and F, the plug was coated with rubber or plastic. Used also in south korea for electrical equipment that is not grounded and in italian categorized by Italian standards CEI 23-5

• BS 4573 (UK shaver), used in Britain to use the tools razor or shaver in the bathroom. The distance between the pins with 5.08 mm pin length 15.88 mm and has been used in English since the 1960s.

• Soviet plug (6 A/250 V ungrounded), almost the same as the French type E and CEE7/17

4. Type D, BS 546

• BS 546 (United Kingdom, 5 A/250 V grounded), equivalent to IA6A3 (India), rated at 6A / 250V

• BS 546 (United Kingdom, 15 A/250 V grounded), equivalent to IA16A3 (India) & SABS 164 (South Africa), rated at 16A / 250V

5. Type E, CEE 7 / 5 (French type E)

6. Type F, CEE 7 / 4

• CEE 7 / 4 (German "Schuko" 16 A/250 V grounded)

7396 • GOST (Russian 10 A/250 V grounded)

7. Type E / F Hybrid, CEE 7 / 7

CEE 7 / 7 (French / German 16 A/250 V grounded)

8. Type G, BS 1363

BS 1363 (British A/230-240 13 V 50 Hz grounded and Fused), equivalent to IS 401 & 411 (Ireland), MS 589 (Malaysia) and SS 145 (Singapore), 2203 SASO (Saudi Arabia)

9. Type H, SI 32

• SI 32 (Israeli 16 A/250 V grounded)

• 3 pin plug TIS166 Thai-2549 (2006)

10. Type I, NZS 3112

• AS / NZS 3112 (Australasian 10 A/240 V)

• CPCS-CCC (Chinese 10 A/250 V)

• IRAM 2073 (Argentinian 10 A/250 V)

11. Type J, SEV 1011 (Swiss 10 A/250 V)

12. Type K, Section 107-2

Section 107-2, D1 (Danish 13 A/250 V earthed)

13. Type L, 23-16/VII CEI

• 23-16/VII CEI (Italian 10 A/250 V and 16 A/250 V)

• 23-16/VII CEI (Italian 10 A/250 V)

• 23-16/VII CEI (Italian 16 A/250 V)

14. Type M, BS 546 (South African 15 A/250 V)

15. Getting category yet

IEC 60906-1 (Brazilian 10 A and 20A / 250 V)

Conclusion:

There are 14 plug and socket standard pattern used throughout the world, both for applications as Class I (grounded) and Class II (ungrounded), with current ratings ranging from 2.5 to 16 A. These standards are the standards of the United States, North America, Argentina, Australia, Mainland Europe, Europlug, China, Denmark, India / South Africa, Israel, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and UK / Ireland.

Map below will explain about the countries in the world and plug & socket type used