Wall-mounted plug and socket

2-pole3-pole

AC power plugs and sockets allow electric equipment to be connected to the primary alternating current (AC) power supply in buildings and at other sites. Electrical plugs and sockets differ from one another in voltage and current rating, shape, size, and connector type. Different systems of plugs and sockets have been standardized, and different standards are used in different parts of the world. 15 Types in use today There are currently 15 types of electrical outlet plugs in use today, each of which has been assigned a letter by the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA), starting with A and moving through the alphabet. These letters are completely arbitrary: they don’t actually mandate anything. Type A Type A plugs are mainly used in the USA, Canada, Mexico & Japan (for a full list, see here for list of standards by country) Features: 2 pins not grounded 15 A almost always 100 – 127 V socket compatible with plug type A Type B Type B plugs are mainly used in the USA, Canada, Mexico & Japan (for a full list, see here for list of standards by country) Features: 3 pins grounded socket compatible with plug types A & B Type C Type C plugs are commonly used in Europe, South America & Asia (for a full list, see here for list of standards by country) Features: 2 pins not grounded socket compatible with plug type C Type D Type D plugs are mainly used in India (for a full list, see here for list of standards by country) Features: 3 pins grounded socket compatible with plug type D (partial and unsafe compatibility with C, E & F)