The electrical outlet is the connection point that provides the main electricity for a male plug connected to it.
The most common types have two terminals used in single-phase or two-phase circuits.
Some outlets have a third terminal, called “ground connection” or “ground.”
Other types of outlets, such as the three-phase, are used in specific sectors, such as industries and factories.
Before the Brazilian standardization in July 2011, consumers had to deal with more than 12 types of plugs and eight different types of outlets, which made it necessary to use adapters indiscriminately to connect devices.
Three-pin plugs started to be used in devices that require grounding, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and computers.
Outlet standards around the world
Each country has its own standards and types of outlets and plugs. Learn about the main types of outlets used worldwide:
Type A and Type B outlets
This is the old Brazilian standard, still used in North and Central America and Japan.
This plug consists of two flat, parallel pins.
In the United States, one of the pins is usually wider than the other (this can make it difficult to connect an American electrical product to a Japanese outlet, for example).
In some cases, the plug also contains a ground wire entry: a round pin just below the two tabs.
Type C, E, F, J, L outlets
Except for the United Kingdom, this is the European standard for outlets.
The Type C plug was the most common in Brazil before the standard change. It has two round, parallel pins. It is the most common plug worldwide.
The Type F, common in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Portugal, Norway, Russia, and Sweden, has two of its ends that are clips used as a ground wire.
The Type E is a round plug, with two round, parallel pins with a small hole at the top. This version, Type E, prevents shocks and increases the use of the ground wire. Used in Belgium, France, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
The Type L outlet has three parallel pins of equal size. With it, attention is needed to the difference in amperes. There are two models: one for 10A and another for 16A. The first is the most common and works normally with Type C outlets. The 16A plug has more space between the pins and they are wider. It should not be used with Type C outlets.
Switzerland adopted the Type J standard, similar to the Brazilian one, however, not compatible. The Type J plug has three round pins, two parallel and the third central.
Type G
Countries like the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Scotland, England, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, and Uganda have adopted Type G.
This model is considered the safest in the world and is identified by the three rectangles that form the design of a triangle. Its plugs have a fuse. When purchasing an adapter, it is important to inquire about the number of amperes for your device to function correctly.
Type D
Used before the 1960s in the United Kingdom, the Type D is still standard in India, Pakistan, and other countries in the region. It has three wide, round pins, forming the design of a triangle.
Type H
The Type H outlet is used only in Israel. This outlet has three wide, round pins forming a “V.” Despite its peculiar design, it accepts Type C plugs (European standard).
Type I
Used in Argentina and Oceania (Australia, Argentina, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea), the Type I outlet has three flat pins. Two diagonally and another in a vertical position at the bottom.
Type M
The Type M outlet has three wide, round pins, forming the design of a triangle. It is very similar to the plug used in South Asia, however, this one has wider pins. The Type M outlet is also used in Swaziland and Lesotho. South Africa also included Type N as one of its official standards.
Type N
In effect since 2010, the Type N outlets are used only in Brazil. They have three round pins, two parallel and a third in the middle and slightly below. This type of outlet does not allow the use of plugs with flat pins (Type A and B). However, it is possible to use newer Type C plugs (released after 2008).
