How are plug types classified?

The U.S. International Trade Administration system labels plug and socket designs with letters from Type A through Type N. Type A and B are the flat North American pins, Type C the two-round-pin Europlug, Type G the UK three-rectangular-pin, Type I the Australian angled pins, and so on. Many countries accept more than one type.

Do I need an adapter or a converter?

An adapter only changes the plug shape so it fits the socket — it does not change the voltage. If your device is rated for the destination voltage (most phone and laptop chargers say 100-240V), an adapter is enough. If your device is single-voltage, you also need a voltage converter, or it may be damaged.

Why do some countries list multiple plug types?

Many countries adopted more than one standard over time or accept compatible plugs. For example, much of Europe uses both Type C and Type F sockets, which are physically compatible, and countries like Brazil and Italy mix several types within the same grid.

Is Type C the same as Type F?

They are closely related and largely compatible. Type C is the two-round-pin Europlug used across continental Europe. Type F (Schuko) adds earthing clips and is used in Germany and many neighbours. A Type C plug fits a Type F socket, but a Type F plug will not fit a narrow Type C-only socket.

Does plug type tell me the voltage?

Not by itself, but they correlate. This tool lists the voltage and frequency alongside the plug type so you can check both at once. North American Type A/B regions typically run 120V/60Hz, while Type C/F/G regions usually run 220-240V/50Hz.

Plug & Socket Type by Country

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The shape of the electrical plug and socket varies widely by country, classified by letters from Type A through Type N. This lookup tells you which plug and socket types each country uses, along with its mains voltage and frequency — so you know exactly which travel adapter (and whether a voltage converter) you need.

How it works

The tool uses the standard letter classification (Type A–N) from the U.S. International Trade Administration. Each country is mapped to the plug type or types in common use, plus its nominal voltage and frequency. Many countries accept multiple compatible types — continental Europe commonly lists both Type C and Type F, which physically fit the same socket.

Remember that an adapter only changes the plug shape; it does not change the voltage. Dual-voltage devices (marked 100–240V) work anywhere with just an adapter, but single-voltage devices need a voltage converter to avoid damage.

Tips and examples

North America: Type A/B, 120V/60Hz.
Continental Europe: Type C/F, 230V/50Hz.
United Kingdom & Ireland: Type G, 230V/50Hz.
Australia & New Zealand: Type I, 230V/50Hz.
Check the label on your charger — 100-240V means an adapter alone is enough.