The Complete Guide to World Plug and Socket Types
The world uses more than a dozen different plug and socket systems. For an importer or distributor, knowing which type belongs to which market is the difference between a smooth product launch and a warehouse of unsellable stock. Here is the A-to-O reference every buyer should bookmark.
The 15 Plug Types in One Table
| Type | Pins | Rating | Where It's Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 flat parallel | 15A, 100–127V | USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan |
| B | 2 flat + round earth | 15A, 100–127V | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| C | 2 round | 2.5A | Continental Europe (Europlug) |
| D | 3 round (old UK) | 5A | India, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
| E | 2 round + earth pin | 16A | France, Belgium, Poland, Czechia |
| F | 2 round + side clips (Schuko) | 16A | Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain |
| G | 3 rectangular (BS 1363) | 13A | UK, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, HK, Middle East |
| H | 3 round/flat | 16A | Israel |
| I | 2/3 flat angled | 10A | Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina |
| J | 3 round | 10A | Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
| K | 3 round | 16A | Denmark, Greenland |
| L | 3 round in line | 10/16A | Italy, Chile, Uruguay |
| M | 3 round (large) | 15A | South Africa, India (heavy duty) |
| N | 3 round | 10/20A | Brazil |
| O | 3 round | 16A | Thailand (TIS 166) |
The Standards Our Factory Actually Produces
While the world counts 15 types, most volume demand clusters around four families. Huapai Lighting focuses its production lines on the standards with the deepest import demand:
- Type G / BS 1363 — the UK and Commonwealth family, and our most complete range: slim, glass, skin-feel and classic series. Browse the UK standard range.
- Type C / E / F — the continental European family. Our EU range covers the plate and socket styles used across Europe.
- Type A / B — the North American family. See the US standard range.
- Type O / TIS — the Thai standard, key for Southeast Asia distribution. See the Thai standard range.
Voltage Matters Too
A plug type is only half the story. Markets split into two voltage zones:
- 100–127V: USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan.
- 220–240V: most of Europe, UK, Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa.
Always confirm both the plug type and the voltage rating of your products before ordering, and make sure the rating printed on the product matches the market's grid.
How to Use This Guide When Sourcing
- Map each of your target countries to its plug type using the table above.
- Group countries by the same type — they can share SKUs.
- Check voltage zone and certification for each group.
- Ask your factory for the exact type and rating — never assume from a photo alone.
Not Sure Which Type You Need?
Send us your country list and we will confirm the correct plug type, voltage and range for you.
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