UK plug socket. List of plug standards

Electrical appliances today are the main tools in everyday life (and not only), which have certain characteristics of power consumption, current and voltage.

Based on these parameters, they plan a particular power network, selecting their elements: solid or stranded conductors (wires), as well as various different types sockets, which, in fact, will be discussed in this article.

So, a socket is an element electrical network, by means of which a detachable connection (connection) of an electrical device to a power source is made - the electrical network. IN different countries apply different standards, accordingly, the design and other parameters change somewhat.

However, in order to successfully make a choice, to find out how to choose the right outlet, you should be guided by the following basic data:

• total power of devices connected to the outlet;
• type of plug connected to the socket of an electrical appliance;
• location and humidity and temperature conditions of the room;
• appropriate type of design and method of installation of the socket;
• the need for a built-in electronic component.

It is clear that you need to focus on the power of the device so that the outlet, designed for a lower consumer power, does not overheat. You should also pay attention to what kind of plug the device has, because Soviet standards are still used, which are not compatible. In addition, sockets are classified according to the tightness of the housing and other parameters, which we will consider below.

Types of sockets according to the power of connected consumers

The total wattage of the appliances connected to the outlet is a key aspect of outlet selection.

Ideally, each appliance should have one outlet and wiring line, but sometimes there is an unplanned need to connect two or more appliances to one outlet through a special electrical coupler.

There is a formula by which you can find out which sockets to choose for a particular device (with a substantial margin, preferably), based on its power consumption, which is measured in Watts (denoted by the letter W or Russian V):

That is, the current measured in amperes (A) is equal to the power of the device (W, Watt) divided by the voltage (V, Volt). The fact is that circuit breakers and sockets are selected according to current strength, and only the power consumption is mentioned on the devices, so it is necessary to convert the values ​​​​using this formula in order to compare them.

In practice, it looks like this: the electric stove has a power of 5 kilowatts, that is, 5000 watts and is designed for a voltage of 220 volts, respectively, 5000/220 = 22.7A. This means that the electrical outlet must be designed for at least this current strength.

Old, Soviet-style sockets were used with a power of 6A and 10A, while modern household sockets are designed for a maximum threshold of 16A; power sockets are a separate class (not related to household ones, but used in everyday life in a number of cases). Such power devices used in everyday life include an electrical outlet for an electric stove, which is designed for more than 16A - 25A and even more - 32A. However, most often high-power devices that require more than 25A are connected in a permanent way, that is, directly with a power electrical cable.

Here we are talking about the standards that are used in post-Soviet territories and EU countries.

There are two main types, from which you can determine which sockets to choose for an apartment or house, focusing on the type of plug and the presence/absence of a grounding conductor.

They (types of sockets and plugs) are designated by letters, the most common and universal - this is without a grounding contact European type C, the so-called “Europlug”, which is universal for the still common Soviet C1/C, as well as European grounded ones - French E and German F.

You can clearly observe the most common types of sockets in different countries of the European Union and CIS countries in the table below.

The most common types of household sockets in the CIS and Europe

Type C "Europlug"		It is used in all CIS countries and most European countries. Fully compatible with plugs types E,F and Soviet C1/B. Current strength – 6A, 10A, 16A. Voltage – 220-250V, frequency – 50Hz. There is no ground connection. Application – household appliances small and medium power, which do not require grounding.
		Used in some European countries: France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco. Rarely in CIS countries. Fully compatible with type C (CEE 7/17) and E/F (EE 7/7) plugs. Current strength – 10A, 16A inclusive. Voltage – 250V, frequency – 50Hz. There is a ground contact. Application – medium power household appliances with grounding.
Type F "Schuko"		Used in most European countries (especially eastern ones), this German standard of sockets is widespread in the market of the CIS countries. Fully compatible with type C, E/F plugs; partially E (without contact of grounding contacts). Current strength is 16A (simple household) and 25A (power for electric stoves). Voltage 250V and 380V respectively, frequency – 50Hz.

Soviet standard sockets (C1/A) are similar to type C “Europlug”, but are designed for plugs with pins with a diameter of 4 mm, which makes it impossible to connect plugs of types E and F, as well as type C of modification CEE 7/17 (with a plug diameter of 4 .8 mm). Of modern plugs, Soviet sockets support only CEE 7/16 type C. To give you a clear idea of ​​what kind of plug these are, below is a table of their types, markings and capacities.

The most common types of household appliance plugs in the CIS and Europe

Soviet C1/B		Still produced and used in the CIS countries as an alternative to CEE 7/16 Europlug (generally a higher quality alternative). Current strength – 6A, 10A. Voltage – 220-250V, frequency – 50Hz. Without grounding, compatible with European standards C, E, F modification without a round rim (or if the rim is broken off).
Pan-European CEE 7/16 (Europlug)		Most popular in Europe, with the exception of the countries: Cyprus, Malta, Ireland, United Kingdom. Used to power low-power devices without the need for grounding. Designed for a current of 2.5A, voltage 110-250V, frequency - 50Hz. Compatible with standards: C, C1, E, F.
Pan-European CEE 7/17		Applicable in the CIS and European countries, except those listed above. Application – power supply of low and medium power household appliances that do not require a ground loop. Current strength – 16A. Voltage – 220-250V, frequency – 50Hz. Compatible with C, E, F. Not compatible with Soviet C1.
European French E CEE 7/5		Consists of application in France, Belgium, Poland. Application – power supply of small, medium and higher power household appliances that require grounding. Designed for current 16A, voltage 250V, frequency 50Hz. Compatible with type C and E sockets respectively.
European German F under "Schuko", CEE 7/4		Widely distributed in the CIS countries, as well as in European Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway and Holland. Application – power supply of medium and high power household appliances that require grounding. Current strength is 16A, there are modifications of 25A, voltage 250V, frequency 50Hz. Compatible with socket type C and F respectively.
European Hybrid E/F (Germany-France) CEE 7/7		Widely distributed in the European Union and CIS countries. Has a grounding conductor compatible with that on sockets of type E, F. Used to power small, medium and high power. Power characteristics are equal to those of CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/5. Compatible with sockets types C, E, F.

This was a list of sockets and plugs of the types that are used in the CIS and Europe. A huge number of household appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, heaters, electric kettles, washing machines and similar energy-intensive devices with grounding are included in the kit, with a plug cord of a hybrid E/F CEE7/7 type.

Type F CEE 7/4 plugs are also widely used in such devices, but a French socket with a protruding ground pin will not fit. Therefore, for such devices, the types of electrical sockets of which are located respectively in the kitchen or bathroom and power such devices, type F “Schuko” is installed, since both types of plugs are suitable for them.

Particular attention should be paid to the room for which the outlet is selected. If this is a bathroom or a kitchen area close to water, then you need to select an appropriate waterproof outlet. The same applies to sockets located outside the house and in open gazebos.

In the rooms you can install an ordinary socket, but in the hallway, for example, where dust is brought from people with their outerwear, you should choose a dust-resistant socket. At the same time, the sockets have two protection factors from both influences and how to choose sockets based on them, let’s look at the markings of the sockets of which, by the way, there are two:

• IP marking;
• NEMA/UL marking.

IP marking is a set of characters made up of letters and numbers, for example IP30. The first combination of letters IP is an abbreviation for “International Perfection”, that is, “International Protection”, which indicates the degree of tightness of the case against the ingress of moisture and dust particles inside.

Next come the numbers, the first indicates the degree of protection from dust, chips and other solids, as well as touches. The second is an indicator of protection from water, that is, IP30 is a simple household socket with protection against solid particles of a certain size (see table below) and no protection from any influence of water. Let us present a table of decoding of these numerical values.

IP markings for protection against contact, large and small solids, and dust

IP markings for protection against water influences of different intensity and angle

Also, this marking may use a third digit, which indicates the shock resistance of the case, but this is not relevant in household sockets, so we will not consider it. There may also be letters after the digital value: H (indicates the device high voltage), M (tested in working condition against water ingress), S (tested in non-working condition against water ingress), W (with protective equipment additionally specified).

NEMA/UL marking represented by the abbreviation “NEMA” followed by one or two numbers, with or without a letter at the end, for example NEMA/UL 3R. These four letters stand for National Electrical Manufacturers Association; UL stands for Underwriters' Laboratories.

This marking also indicates that these outlet standards are used in the USA and are certified accordingly. In the CIS and many European countries this standard is very rarely used, but it is worth considering. There is a table with which you can decipher what the marking on the socket means, and also compare it with IP, we will consider it further.

Nema standard markings

Occasionally you can see those included with computer equipment(monitors, power supplies) 125/250V power cords with two flat parallel perforated or solid contacts and one round - these are cords with a NEMA 5-15 connector, designed for the appropriate outlet.

They are widespread in the USA, and it makes no sense to get an American standard socket for them in the CIS; it is better to separately purchase a cord at the other end with a CEE 7/4 connector for socket type F (Schuko) or a hybrid CEE 7/7 compatible with sockets of type E and F. You can also use an adapter, but the first option is best with almost equal financial costs.

There are other types of markings that indicate the strength of the housing, for example IK, accompanied by a digital value from 00 to 10, but when choosing a household outlet this is not relevant and is not worth considering.

Types of sockets by design and installation method

When choosing a socket, it is important to take into account the material from which the walls of the room are made, since this determines which sockets are best to choose - for a hidden or open installation method.

You can learn more about the basics of installation using these methods in the article “”, but now let’s look at the purely constructive part.

In addition, sockets are distinguished by the number of modules, which determines the number of connections, and there is also a division according to the materials from which their core is made. Regarding the installation method, sockets can be divided into:

• invoices;
• built-in;
• portable.

In part, the installation method also dictates their design, which is manifested in the presence or absence of certain fastening elements and mechanisms. Also, the design of the body itself differs, in general, let's look at it.

Overhead sockets are used in cases where it involves open method installation

For example, in the case of a wall made of logs in a wooden house, when it is impossible, according to standards and fire safety, to make slots in a solid log and install electrical elements there.

Thus, the wires are laid along the surface of the wall and external electrical sockets are connected to them and mounted on a socket box that is pre-installed on the wall plane.

There is another type of overhead sockets that are mounted on baseboards if the wiring runs through them.

They do not look aesthetically pleasing, and are also considered less reliable and more often break when the plug is suddenly pulled out than built-in sockets, but in a log house the only alternative is portable sockets.

Built-in sockets used in the construction of walls made of reinforced concrete, brick, and blocks.

They are also mounted in hollow core panel partitions made of fiberboard, chipboard, MDF and plasterboard.

They are mounted in a special plastic mounting box, installed in advance in a hole made in the wall or partition.

The design of the socket core includes special spacer legs that secure it (the core) inside the mounting box, adjusting the force of the expansion with special screws.

Thus, all the working elements and internal electrical cores of the socket are located in the thickness of the wall; only a restrictive metal (or plastic) frame protrudes outside, which is then hidden by the socket body.

Portable sockets can be found on sale as extension cords; they come complete with a cord and plug (most often a hybrid E/F (Germany-France) CEE 7/7).

There are also many configurations available without a cord, which can easily be connected to the outlet electric cable from a wall or plinth, thus avoiding installation work using wall methods. However, such sockets are rarely used directly.

The housing is unscrewed into two halves using structural screws, the cable is clamped with a common clamp, and the contacts are clamped into clamp terminals. The design of such portable sockets can often include a power on/off button, as well as a power indicator, which makes them convenient.

It is worth noting that the photo shows a very interesting and intricate socket, which is classified according to the installation method as a stationary built-in one, but has a portable element - a socket for a plug on an extension wire.

Design and arrangement of a household electrical outlet

The design of a socket for concealed installation is considered the most complex, since it has additional fasteners that are used to install them.

They can also be with or without grounding, and grounding contacts of different shapes and conductor area/section.

As for the durability and reliability of the socket, this depends on the alloy from which the contacts are made, as well as the base material. A new type of electrical outlet used in modern everyday life consists of the following components:

• input contacts/terminals;
• output contacts;
• grounding contact (if any);
• insulator/base;
• frame.

Of course, the socket kit may contain additional elements, such as “curtains” (latches) or covers to prevent water from entering, various relays and other elements, but now we will consider a classic socket for installation in a hidden way without any bells and whistles.

Input pins , they are also terminals, are located at the end of the socket and are intended for connecting electrical neutral and phase conductors, as well as a grounding conductor.

There are two types of wire fastenings that a modern socket has, contacts and terminals: screw and screwless.

Screw connections secure the wire between two plates, fastened together with a screw that is manually tightened by an electrician.

Screwless ones have a spring element that presses the plates, keeping them constantly under pressure, pressed.

Screwless clamps are considered more reliable, since under the influence of vibrations from the frequency of the current, the contact does not become loose or weaken.

The material from which the input contact plates are made is brass and bronze. Brass contacts are considered short-lived and quickly deteriorate in high humidity, and they also get very hot and are poorly compatible with aluminum wiring.

Output contacts , that is, detachable ones into which the pins of the plug are connected, also called jaws, petals (but the socket with a grounding contact has a separately located conductor).

These detachable contacts consist of pairs of parallel plates with oval extensions at the point where the pin is connected. The old plates had special spring clamps that prevented them from deforming and weakening.

The materials for the manufacture of output contact plates are brass (tinned or uncoated) and bronze. Brass plates weaken over time and do not provide proper clamping of the plug pins, causing sparking and melting of the housing. Tinned brass is more resistant to increased moisture, conducts current better and heats up less.

Plates made from a modern composition - phosphor bronze, have a good coefficient of spring deformation, accordingly weaken less, and also heat up less and contribute to greater bandwidth. There are also silver plated contacts that have best characteristics conductivity, reliability and durability.

Ground contact (PE yellow, yellow-green wire) is available in modern sockets, the most common in the CIS is a plug socket with a grounding contact, type F, in which this conductor is supplied in the form of a bracket that clasps the plug where it has grounding contacts.

From a technical point of view, there is nothing to describe, if we talk about standards and grounding devices, then there are the following main types: TN-C, TN-S, TN-C-S.

When grounding TN-C, the grounding conductor is connected to the working neutral conductor because there is no separate grounding line.

If these conductors are combined in the socket, then if there is a current leak, a short circuit will occur, which, in theory, should trip the circuit breaker.

With the TN-S system, there is a cable in the house that is responsible for grounding, and it is connected to the grounding terminal of the socket. With TN-C-S, the common wire is also connected to the neutral and ground contact of the socket, but later it is disconnected to the ground and neutral conductor, respectively.

Insulator , also known as the dielectric component of the socket, is the very core of the socket with all the elements described above contained on it, fixed with rivets or screws.

This element, also referred to as the base of the socket, is the only one that does not allow current to pass through, besides the housing cover. The mounting spacer brackets can also be attached to the base.

Depending on the material from which they are made, there are sockets with a ceramic base and with a plastic base. The ceramic base is made of porcelain material and has the best resistance to high temperatures, but at the same time more fragile than plastic bases for sockets. As for the plastic bases of the sockets, they are refractory, but are more susceptible to charring.

consists of a metal frame attached to the base. On the sides of this frame there can be spacer legs for fastening in the box.

From the front part it is a restrictive metal rectangular frame, which prevents the entire structure of the socket from being sunk deeper than it should be. The frame also provides support against the wall, thus making the entire supporting structure rigid.

The frame may have holes for additional fastening with self-tapping screws to the edge of the mounting box, as well as holes for latches of the plastic frame of the socket. The socket frame is mounted on top of it with a screw (in the center) or/and additionally with latches.

The socket frame can be solid or consist of a rim and a core, in which there are holes for power and grounding contacts, as well as a mounting screw in the center. In the second case, the core presses the frame against the metal frame pressed into the wall.

This configuration of the socket body is used if a double electrical socket is required, or even a triple-quadruple one, that is, paired using a separately purchased frame with the appropriate number of sections.

Cheap sockets use low-quality plastic, the frames of which become yellow within a couple of years or lose color in the case of colored plastic. Also, it (cheap plastic) chars, cracks and crumbles faster.

Types of sockets with built-in electronic components and additional components

In addition to standard sockets, which only have a socket for connecting a plug, there are sockets with built-in electronics, universal sockets for any type of plug, as well as sockets with special latches to protect children from electric shock and hermetically sealed lids for rooms with particularly high humidity. Let us next consider which sockets are appropriate to install in this or that case.

(residual current device) is wise to install in rooms where there is a high probability of electric shock, both directly and through the device connected to it.

The essence of the built-in residual current device is that it measures the current leakage that occurs in the event of an electric shock to a person or current leakage through water, through the device body through structural parts of the building, etc.

At the same moment when current leakage occurs, the relay that supplies the output contacts of the socket opens. The maximum that can happen is a slight electric shock or a tiny leak, but your health will not be affected, and the electrical system will remain intact.

Socket with built-in time controller (time relay) is useful in cases where it is necessary to turn off the device after a while, but there is no one to do it. For example, an air compressor for an aquarium, an electric heater, etc.

The element that controls the operating time and disconnection of the outlet from power can be mechanical or electronic.

A mechanical controller, as a rule, opens the contacts after loosening a pre-tensioned (by turning) spring element, a socket with a timer, in other words.

The electronic controller contains a microprocessor that acts on the territorial key, turning off the power, and can be programmed for complex time tasks, for a time schedule of repeated power on and off.

Today it is not common in its stationary varieties, but there is already a prototype developed by designer Muhyeon Kim.

In addition to the digital consumption indicator, it has a backlight that, depending on consumption, changes colors in the palette from blue (at minimum consumption) to red (at maximum consumption).

The idea of ​​such an outlet is quite clear - to control the electricity consumption of the device connected to such an outlet. It may be very useful device For example, you turned on a one and a half kW UFO heater and, in addition to monitoring the feeling of temperature, you can clearly see how much electricity is being consumed, based on this, look for a middle ground.

has a form of detachable contacts that will fit almost any type of plug and grounding contact.

In addition, many of them have a built-in USB charging adapter (in the one in the photo at the top, the lid opens to reveal USB connectors).

It is not widespread and is not particularly popular in the CIS, since the plug connector standards used are uniform and compatible with each other, and US standards are not used in everyday life at all.

As for protected sockets, there are two types: with “curtains” and with covers. The first are childproof sockets; they have protection in the form of flaps inside the lid; when pressed firmly with a fork, powerful spring elements bend and the curtains turn into the free space of the case. They are a protection against small children if they decide to poke a knitting needle or a screwdriver into the socket.

With covers, sockets do not pose a hindrance to children, therefore they are installed if there is no such threat and only in rooms with high humidity. There, depending on the tightness, there are different designs (with and without a seal).

When we talked about this, we briefly discussed the types of devices. There is a wide range of types and types of electrical outlets, however, in domestic conditions, plug-in models are most often used. Next, we will tell you what types of products there are in Russia and other countries of the world.

Type of connectors

The most basic difference between the types of products is how the connectors for connecting the electrical plug are arranged. The fact is that each state has its own connector standards. You can clearly see the types of outlets in all countries of the world in the photo below:

Description of each type:

• A - American. In addition to the USA, this version is used in Japan. There is no ground contact.
• B – American model, with grounding.
• C – European standard. The Euro socket is used not only in European countries, but also in the CIS, including Russia. The only drawback of this variety is the lack of grounding. However, it should be noted that there is no grounding contact on Soviet C5 models, but in the Euro version C6 it is present.
• D - this type of electrical sockets can be found in Britain.
• E – French standard.
• F – Euro socket with grounding. A modern type of execution, which is most often used in European countries, as well as the CIS.
• G – English version.
• H – Israeli.
• I – Australian.
• J – Swiss.
• K – Danish.
• I - the original type of execution, which is used in Italy.
• M – South Africa.

So you found out what kind of sockets there are in different countries of the world. Next, we will dwell in more detail on the types of electrical plug products type C and F.

Specifications

As you already know, the operating voltage in the network can be 220-240 or 380 Volts; in America and Japan it is customary to use a voltage of 100-127 Volts. 220 V Euro sockets are used to connect electrical appliances with a power of no more than 3.5 kW. This is due to the fact that power sockets can withstand a current not exceeding 16A. It is permissible to connect a TV, refrigerator and other not very powerful household appliances to these types of electrical accessories.

Industrial three-phase sockets are designed for a current of 32 A and therefore are used in everyday life to connect powerful equipment.

Electrical sockets are also designed for frequency AC 50 or 60 Hz. In Russia and the CIS countries, the first type of execution is used.

Installation type

The next type of electrical sockets is the housing version. There are overhead products that are used for and recessed ones - for installing wiring in a hidden way.

The latter type, in turn, can be mounted not only on the wall, but even on the floor or countertop in the kitchen. Floor-standing household devices for connecting equipment look like this:

A separate type of electrical outlets is portable. Very convenient option, however, it has not yet gained much popularity in Russia.

Additional features

Also, electrical outlets can be divided into types depending on additional functions which they possess. For example:

1. Waterproof. Euro sockets from 44 and higher have a cover that will protect the connectors from water ingress. This type of socket is most often used in bathrooms.
   
2. Model C - cuts off power when a dangerous leak is detected electric current.
3. Model with timer. Using this type of electrical accessories, you can simply set the time after which the power will turn off. Very convenient for connecting heaters that do not have their own shutdown timer.
   
4. Power socket with wattmeter. An original solution that allows you to see how much electricity a connected device consumes. The display changes depending on the power consumption: blue is the minimum power consumption, red is the maximum.
   
5. With fork ejector. If you often do this, we recommend choosing a special model with an ejector that will help you carefully pull the electrical plug out of the sockets.
   
6. Euro socket with backlight. This type of product is very convenient because in the dark you can easily find where to connect charger from a phone or other device.
7. Model with USB output. An excellent solution for recharging mobile devices.
   
8. GSM and

Adapter for English socket– the most necessary thing in England! Money, reservations, documents - it's all clear. This is necessary on any trip. As for the UK, you will definitely need English socket adapter. Their sockets are absolutely incompatible with ours and with the so-called “euro” ones too.

Of course you can buy this adapter in England. But, firstly, it still needs to be found there, and secondly, it costs a lot of money there. For example, at Manchester airport I saw adapter for 14 pounds. In Russia, in any radio store you can find a whole set adapters, neatly packed in a beautiful, convenient box at a price of 150 rubles. If suddenly you don’t have them in your store - adapter for English socket easy to find in Chinese online stores.

Without this adapter, you won't be able to charge your phone, camera, or shave.

UK grid voltage compatible with our electrical appliances and complies with 230 Volts at 50 Hertz.

Adapter for English socket in a convenient box

This is what the adapter itself looks like

The whole set

This is how it works

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Modern life is unthinkable without electricity. The abundance of electrical appliances that require connection to the network makes it extremely desirable to have sockets that satisfy all needs the latest devices and gadgets. Electrical outlets are a place where an extensive system of wires and cables, hidden from external eyes, reveals itself in the tangible world of the home interior and allows a person to use their amazing conductive qualities for the benefit of everyday life. You can’t do without this device in any apartment where there is at least one powerful household appliance, such as a refrigerator or washing machine.

To connect electrical equipment to power networks, various types of plug connections are used. It consists of two parts (socket and plug).

Sockets are constantly under tension. It looks like a socket with a closed arrangement of conductors to exclude accidental contact with foreign objects.

Plug connects to the source of electricity consumption by cable or forms a common housing with it. The end of the plug has the shape of pins corresponding to the location of the sockets on the socket.

At the dawn of the widespread use of electricity, a unified standard for the equipment used was not created. Therefore the form and technical specifications The connectors in different countries turned out to be different.

Standards

A— American standard without grounding. This type is also used in Japan.

B— American standard but with grounding.

C— European standard without grounding (in Russia this is the old version of sockets - the new version has grounding). This type of connector is common in Europe, Russia, neighboring countries, etc.

D- Old British Standard.

E— French standard.

F— European standard with grounding. Modern design of sockets.

G- British standard with grounding. Modern design of sockets.

H— Israeli standard with grounding.

I— Australian standard with earthing.

J— Swiss standard with grounding.

K— Danish standard with grounding.

L— Italian standard with grounding.

M— South African standard with grounding.

When installed permanently, the sockets have a housing for surface mounted or recessed installation. There are also portable options.

Often, a product purchased overseas cannot be connected to your network without the necessary adapter device. Household appliances produced for export are usually adapted to local conditions.

Technical characteristics of plug connections

The plug connection elements must comply with the characteristics of the electrical network. In Russia and Europe, voltages of 220 and 380 Volts are used, in the USA and Japan - 100-127 Volts. Most countries use 50 or 60 Hz AC frequency.

An important characteristic of plugs and sockets is the maximum rated current, which is directly related to the power of the connected equipment. Household electrical outlets are designed for a current of no more than 16A. To connect powerful equipment, appropriate industrial connectors are installed. They must have a grounding electrode. In household networks it is allowed to do without it.

Electrical sockets: types

• Standard electrical outlet, This is the most common type of socket that is found everywhere in every room, from the living room to the bedroom and closet, where the most popular appliances are connected, such as a TV, hair dryer, etc. Created, this is sufficient for common small devices and lamps. More powerful electrical appliances
  require special types of sockets for their connection to the network. These sockets are designed to operate with a current of 5 Amperes and a voltage of 220 Volts, and have 2 connectors on their front panel. They can be with or without grounding.

There are various options for electrical wiring diagrams in residential premises, differing both in the type of branching and in the current strength. The socket must meet the specific needs of each individual case. That is why there are many types of sockets on the market with very different declared current strengths that they can withstand.

• Grounded sockets are used in circuits with circuit breakers that must be checked on a regular basis. There are high-risk areas in every home short circuits. These are kitchens and bathrooms, which according to all rules must be equipped sockets with grounding. Such sockets are easily distinguished by their massive body and semicircular hole with an iron edging at the bottom between the 2 main connectors.

• There are special sockets, designed to connect dryers. Such electrical components can withstand significant power with voltages ranging from 120 to 240 volts. Dryer sockets often have up to 4 plugs.

• Sockets for electric stoves also have an increased margin of safety and the ability to operate in extreme power mode and high voltage. Such sockets must work in conjunction with an electrical fuse and grounding.

• Waterproof sockets successfully find their use in garden plots, outdoor summer cafes and swimming pools. They are made of metal that is resistant to corrosion and sun rays, their internal conductive parts are reliably hidden from liquid penetration.

• Sockets with protection against foreign objects made specifically so that children and some adults cannot insert objects that are not intended for this into the holes. The principle of operation is that special gates are built into the connectors, which move away only when they are exposed to a plug of a certain shape. Once the plug is pulled out, the holes close again.

• Combination sockets used in cases where it is necessary to use space economically. They combine 2 functions in one device. For example, this could be a grounded outlet with a switch and a 15-amp duplex with indicator lights.

• To connect several electrical consumers at once, sockets with built-in surge suppressor . They will perfectly protect devices from problems in the contact network.

• Stand apart sockets for computer networks, radio and telephone . They are designed for low current and low voltage up to 30 Volts.

Depending on the conditions of use of sockets, they may have additional functions

• Electrical sockets with mechanical timer are able to turn off the device in right time without human intervention.

• Sockets with convenient plug ejector allow you to do without applying extra effort, which often lead to loosening of other types of built-in sockets in the wall.

• Illuminated electrical outlets easy to find at night.

• Electrical sockets with built-in residual current device open the circuit when leakage current is detected.

Not all electrical outlets are designed to connect to all types of electrical conductor materials. Some connectors are not designed to handle copper plugs, while others cannot handle aluminum plugs. On the back of each socket there is a special marking indicating the type of conductor; in most cases both materials will be suitable.

There are many types of electrical network output framing in the world. Because the whole variety of current consumers requires a different set of specific properties and functional features. Abundance modern sockets allows for optimal choice for each case and make the operation of the devices as convenient and safe as possible.

General requirements applicable to all types of plug connections

• Reliable insulation of the housing and live parts from each other.
• Ensuring tight contact corresponding to the permissible amount of passing current.
• Protection from incorrect connection, electrical safety during incomplete contact and at the time of connection and disconnection.
• Fire safety.

October 12th, 2017

This is really very inconvenient. Okay, people used to travel a little around the world, now it’s practically not a luxury. Remember, when household appliances assembled in Europe began to arrive in Russia, how many problems there were with our Soviet sockets. We bought adapters, they burned out. Only not long ago we finally got rid of this problem.

I was in Cyprus in the spring - there are very unusual British outlets there. You can’t buy adapters in a small town in Russia; upon arrival you had to run around, look for them, and overpay. I’m going to the Dominican Republic soon - and there are different outlets there again, American (sort of). Adapters will again have to be purchased locally and not in 1 copy.

And why...

In the era of electrification, inventors from different countries offered their own versions of optimal sockets; Different types of power generators were built all over the world.

Firstly, the struggle between technologies at the dawn of the development of electricity left its mark. We are talking about the confrontation between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla in the creation of direct and alternating current networks, respectively. While we know AC power ultimately won out, infrastructure DC, created in the USA until the 1920s (and in Stockholm until the 1950s), has to be maintained and used right up to the present day.

Secondly, many inventors offered their own versions of optimal (in their opinion) sockets. For example, in 1904, American inventor Harvey Hubbel received a patent for the first electrical outlet. By its design, it was a kind of adapter between an electric cartridge and a plug. The adapter was screwed into the socket instead of a light bulb, and some electrical appliance was connected to it.

The German engineer Albert Büttner created the “Euro socket” we know today in 1926. And the first grounded socket was created by Philippe Labre in 1927.

And national companies involved in the installation of electrical networks supplied their devices suitable for these networks. Accordingly, different types of plug connectors and sockets were introduced and their own networks were designed. The developments of other countries were completely ignored.

Influenced the development of sockets and the availability of materials. For example, during World War II, Britain came up with a three-prong plug with a short copper fuse. This design made it possible to save copper reserves for military needs. Interestingly, the use of the three-prong plug in the UK was in stark contrast to the rest of Europe and even North America, where two-prong plugs were widely used and also varied in design, all due to poor communication in the early days development of electricity supply.

Now, according to one classification, there are 12 types of sockets, according to another - 15. Moreover, sockets of one type sometimes accept plugs of another. However, if you find out that the country you are going to has the same type of socket as at home, don’t rush to rejoice! This is only half the problem. IN different parts Light voltage and current frequency may vary.

Classification of types of sockets and plugs in different countries of the world

The two most common standards are: European - 220-240 V at a frequency of 50 Hz and American - 100-127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. You should not check what will happen if an electrical appliance operating on 100-127 V is plugged into an outlet with 220-240 V.

In some countries you should keep your ears open. For example, in most areas of Brazil, 127 V is used, but in the north of the country 220 V is found. And in Japan, the voltage is the same everywhere - 110 V, but the frequency is different: in the east 50 Hz is used, in the west - 60 Hz. The reason is simple: first, German-made generators with a frequency of 50 Hz were purchased for Tokyo, and soon after that American ones with a frequency of 60 Hz were supplied to Osaka.

Perhaps someday a single standard will be adopted. A universal socket for all types of plugs has already been developed. But for now it’s up to everyone to install it or not. In addition, we first need to come to a unified voltage standard. And this comes down to huge financial costs for the refurbishment and re-equipment of transformer substations, replacement of sockets and plugs.

* Voltage 100-127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz is used by the USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, partially Brazil and other countries.

* Voltage 220-240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz is used in most other countries, but even with the same parameters, the type of sockets can vary greatly.

Here brief description some of them:

Types A and B - American socket

Type B differs from A by the presence of a third hole - it is intended for a grounding pin. Such sockets, as you can guess from the name, were invented in the USA and are widespread in North, Central and partly South America, as well as Japan and some other countries.

Types C and F - European socket

Just like A and B, types C and F differ from each other only in the presence of grounding - F has it. The European socket is used in most countries of the European Union, as well as in Russia and the CIS, Algeria, Egypt and many other countries.

Type G - British socket

In the UK, the socket has three flat holes, and this design appeared for a reason. The fact is that during World War II the country experienced a copper shortage. Therefore, a plug with a short copper fuse and three pins was developed. In addition to Great Britain, the same socket is used in Cyprus, Malta, Singapore and other countries that were influenced by the British Empire.

Type I - Australian socket

This type of socket can be found not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Guinea, Samoa and sometimes in China, where types A and C are also common.

Type H - Israeli socket

Type H is used only in Israel and Palestine, and the pins of the plug can be either round or flat, depending on when the device was manufactured. The old equipment had a flat socket shape, but new sockets are suitable for two options.

Type K - Danish socket

This outlet can easily claim the title of “friendliest” in the world - its design resembles a smiling face. In addition to Denmark and Greenland, which is part of it, type K is used in Bangladesh and the Maldives - however, several types of sockets are common there.

Luckily, all these differences won't ruin your vacation or business trip—you just need to purchase the right adapter in advance.

Map showing the distribution of different types of sockets used around the world.(link to interactive map )

A world map shows the distribution of different types of sockets in use around the world. Countries using Types A and B are highlighted in red, countries using Types C and E/F (which are 100% compatible with each other) are highlighted in dark blue, countries using Type D are highlighted in brown, British Type G is highlighted in aqua, Israeli Types C and H are highlighted in pink. , yellow highlights countries using Australian type I, black countries use C and J, gray types C and K, orange types C and L, purple in South African countries use type M, pale blue countries use type N, and dark green Thailand Types C and O. Please note that this simplified overview only shows the most common plug type, and sometimes several systems in the same country.

For a complete and thorough overview of the electrical plugs used in each country, click .

List of countries around the world with corresponding plug and socket types, voltage and frequency. link worldstandards.eu/electrici...

A complete overview of all countries in the world and their respective plugs/sockets and voltages/frequencies used for home appliances. The table shows that most countries have electricity supplies between 220 and 240 volts (50 or 60 Hz), significantly superior to countries operating at 100 to 127 volts. The list also shows that types A and C are the most commonly used electrical plugs all over the world.

Most countries have a clearly defined plug and voltage standard. However, many Latin American, African and Asian countries use a motley collection of often incompatible plugs, and sometimes the voltage differs from region to region. This situation makes it difficult for travelers to assess which adapter or transformer connector is needed for a trip. In this case, when the electricity situation in the country requires additional information, the name of the country in question is highlighted in red. This link will take you to detailed description: worldstandards.eu/electrici...