UK plug type. US plug, UK plug and EU plug - what is and what does it mean

Adapter for an English outlet- the most necessary thing in England! Money, reservation, documents - all this is clear. It is necessary in any trip. As for the UK, you will definitely need adapter for english outlet. Their sockets are absolutely not compatible with ours and with the so-called "euro" too.

Sure you may buy  this adapter in england. But, firstly, he still needs to be found there, and secondly, he costs a lot of money there. For example, at the Manchester airport I saw adapter  for 14 pounds. In Russia, in any radio store you can find a whole set adaptersneatly packed in a beautiful, comfortable box for the price of 150 rubles. If suddenly you didn’t have them in the store - adapter for english outlet  easy to find in chinese online stores.

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

UK voltage  compatible with our electrical appliances and sucks 230 Volts at 50 Hz.

Adapter for an English outlet in a convenient box

Here is the adapter itself

Whole set

So it works

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In the world there are more than a hundred ways to connect electrical appliances to the network. There are a huge number of plugs and sockets. It is also necessary to take into account that in each country there is a special voltage, frequency and current strength. This can turn into a serious problem for tourists. But this issue is relevant today not only for those who like to travel. Some, making repairs in an apartment or house, intentionally install standard sockets of other countries. One of them is an American outlet. It has its own characteristics, disadvantages and advantages. Today, there are only 13 standards for sockets and plugs that are used in different countries of the world. Let's consider some of them.

Two frequency and voltage standards

It would seem, why do we need so many standards and types of electrical elements? But keep in mind that there are different voltage standards in the network. Many do not know that in the household electrical network of the countries of North America, not traditional 220 V is used, as in Russia and the CIS, but 120 V. But this was not always the case. Until the 60s, household voltage was 127 volts throughout the Soviet Union. Many will ask why. As you know, the amount of electrical energy consumed is growing constantly. Previously, except for light bulbs in apartments and houses, there were simply no other consumers.

Everything that each of us plugs into the outlet every day — computers, televisions, microwave ovens, boilers — did not exist then and appeared much later. When power grows, it is necessary to increase the voltage. A greater current entails overheating of the wires, and with them certain losses for this heating. This is serious. In order to avoid these unnecessary losses of precious energy, it was necessary to increase the cross section of the wire. But it is very difficult, long and expensive. Therefore, it was decided to increase the voltage in the networks.

The Times of Edison and Tesla

Edison was a supporter of direct current. He believed that such a current was convenient for work. Tesla believed in the benefits of variable frequency. In the end, two scientists began to practically fight each other. By the way, this war ended only in 2007, when the United States switched to alternating current in household networks. But back to Edison. He created the production of incandescent bulbs with carbon-based filament. The voltage for the optimal operation of these lamps was 100 V. He added another 10 V for losses in conductors and at his power plants he took 110 V for the operating voltage. That is why the American outlet was designed for 110 V. For a long time, then in the United States and then in other countries that worked closely with the United States adopted 120 V as the standard voltage. The current frequency was 60 Hz. But electric networks were created in such a way that two phases and a "neutral" were connected to the houses. This made it possible to obtain 120 V when using phase voltages or 240 in the case of

Why two phases?

It's all about the generators that created electricity for the whole of America.

They were biphasic until the end of the 20th century. Weak consumers were connected to, and more powerful ones were converted to linear voltages.

60 Hz

This is entirely the merit of Tesla. It happened back in 1888. He worked closely with J. Westinghouse, including the development of generators. They argued a lot for a long time about the optimal frequency - the opponent insisted on choosing one of the frequencies in the range from 25 to 133 Hz, but Tesla was firmly on his idea and the figure of 60 Hz fit into the system as much as possible.

Benefits

Among the advantages of this frequency, lower costs can be distinguished in the process of manufacturing an electromagnetic system for transformers and generators. Therefore, equipment for this frequency has significantly smaller dimensions and weight. By the way, the lamps practically do not flicker. An American power outlet in the United States is much better suited for powering computers and other equipment that requires good power.

Sockets and Standards

Two main standards for frequency and voltage are common in the world.

One of them is American. This voltage is 110-127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. And as a plug and socket, standard A and B are used. The second type is European. Here the voltage is 220-240 V, the frequency is 50 Hz. The European outlet is mainly SM.

Type A

These species are widespread only in the North and Central parts of America. They can also be found in Japan. However, there are some differences between them. The Japanese have two pins parallel to each other and flat with the same size. The American outlet is a little different. And the plug to her, respectively, too. Here one pin is wider than the second. This is done so that the correct polarity is constantly observed when connecting electrical appliances. Indeed, previously the current in American networks was constant. These sockets were also called Class II. Tourists say that plugs from Japanese technology work without problems with American and Canadian sockets. But to connect these elements on the contrary (if the American plug) does not work. Need a suitable adapter for the outlet. But usually people just file a wide pin.

Type B

These types of devices are used only in Canada, the USA and Japan. And if devices of type “A” were intended for low-power equipment, then mainly powerful household appliances with consumption currents up to 15 amperes are included in such sockets.

In some catalogs, such an American plug or socket can be designated as Class I or NEMA 5-15 (this is already an international designation). Now they have almost completely replaced Type A. In the US, only “B” is used. But in old buildings you can still find the old American outlet. There is no contact responsible for connecting the ground. In addition, the US industry has long been manufacturing appliances with modern plugs. But this does not prevent the use of new electrical appliances in old houses. Resourceful Americans in this case simply cut off or destroy the grounding contact so that it does not interfere and it can be connected to an old type socket.

About the appearance and differences

Who purchased an iPhone from the United States knows very well what an American outlet looks like. It has its own characteristics. The socket consists of two flat holes or slots. In devices of a new type below an additional grounding contact.

Also, so that there are no errors, one pin of the plug is made wider than the other. The Americans decided not to change this approach, and in the new outlets they left everything the same. The contacts on the plug are not pins like a European socket. It is rather a plate. There may be holes at their ends.

How to operate American equipment in the CIS countries

It happens that people bring equipment from the United States and want to use it in Europe or Russia. And they are faced with a problem - the outlet does not fit the plug. And what to do? You can replace the cord with a standard European, but this is not an option for everyone. For those who are not versed in technology and have never held a soldering iron in their hands, it is recommended to purchase an adapter for an outlet. There are many of them - they are all different in quality and price. If you plan a trip to the USA, then you should stock up on adapters in advance. There they can cost five or more dollars. If you order in the online store, you can save up to half the cost. It should also be noted that even in US hotels, all sockets go under the American standard - it does not matter that most of the people who stay are foreign tourists.

In this case, an adapter from an American outlet to a European one could help him. The same applies to equipment purchased in the United States. If you do not want to solder, you can purchase an inexpensive adapter made in China and use electric devices to the full, charge your phone or tablet on a non-standard outlet. There are no other options.

Summary

They say that it’s impossible to understand Russia with the mind, but in the USA, too, everything is not so simple. You can’t just come and use American-style sockets with European or any other plugs. Therefore, adapters should be taken on the road, and they must be ordered in advance. This greatly saves time and money.

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We do not think about such an ordinary thing as an electrical outlet until we go on a trip. And there, like at home, we have to regularly charge a smartphone or use a hairdryer.

site  found out why not in all countries our gadgets and household appliances are compatible with local networks.

With the development of electrical networks in the world there were a variety of types of outlets. Various types of electric generators were built, which also influenced the design of the connectors. The companies that were involved in the installation of electrical networks also supplied devices suitable for these networks - each company had its own.

Some of the outlets created at that time (in a modernized form) are used today, while others were decided to abandon for security reasons. But until now there is no single standard in the world for all electric networks - in different parts of the world voltage and current frequency may differ.

• Voltage   100–127 V at 60 Hz  use the USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, partly Brazil and other countries.
• Voltage   220–240 V at a frequency of 50 Hzused in most other countries, but with the same parameters, the type of outlets can vary greatly.

In total, 12 main types of outlets are distinguished in the world (according to another classification - 15). Here is a brief description of 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 the grounding pin. Such sockets, as you might guess from the name, were invented in the United States and distributed in the territories of North, Central and partially South America, as well as Japan and some other countries.

Types C and F - European outlet

Just like A and B, types C and F differ only in the presence of grounding - F. has it. A European outlet 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 - UK Outlet

In the UK, the outlet has three flat holes, and this design appeared for a reason. The fact is that during the Second World War the country experienced a shortage of copper. Therefore, a plug with a short copper fuse and three plugs was developed. In addition to the UK, the same outlet is used in Cyprus, Malta, Singapore and other countries that have experienced the influence of the British Empire.

We buy a lot of electrical household appliances of different capacities made in the EU countries, in which the power cords end with electric plugs of the European type. It is known that they differ not only in the diameter of the metal part from ours, but also in the shape, greater potential power and the presence of one or two ground contacts. But we must not forget about the so-called “Soviet” type, which is still widely used in Russia and the CIS countries along with electrical appliances of the past, so we will begin with a brief overview of electric plugs of the European type from them.

One of the most common plug designs in the USSR, designed for 220V, 6A

This type, called Soviet C1 / B, is still produced in our homeland and can be compared in its quality to the European type CEE 7/16 Europlug. Electric plugs of this type are designed for currents of 6 A and 10 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. They do not have grounding terminals, but there is one advantage that their design is collapsible, which means that if the cable is damaged, it can be replaced, leaving the socket as before and not wasting money on a new one. The diameter of the pins in the Soviet plug is 4 mm.

The next type of electric plug, in which the pins are also 4 mm in diameter and which is widely distributed in European countries, except England, Ireland and Malta, belongs to the CEE 7/16 Europlug class. It is used in the operation of household electrical appliances of low power, without grounding contacts and is designed for current up to 2.5 A at a voltage of 1100 - 220 V. Compatible with class C, C1, E, F.

Type C6 (in Europe CEE 7/17) we have a Euro plug, with round pins (knives) with a diameter of 4.8 mm

But the French type of electric plug has metal pins already 4.8 mm in diameter and one ground contact. Widely used in France, Poland and Belgium. They are used for medium-power appliances such as vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, water heaters, etc. This type of plug can withstand currents up to 16 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V. It is compatible with sockets of type C, E, F, but with Soviet type C1 / B are incompatible and can only be used with an adapter.

For electric appliances of medium and high power consumption, the European German type of plugs “Schuko” CEE 7/4, which is widely distributed in Germany, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands, is used.

CEE 7/4 Schuko plug and Schuko socket

It is designed for currents up to 16 A, in some versions up to 25 A at a voltage of 220 - 250 V, has a pin diameter of 4.8 mm, one ground terminal and is compatible with sockets C and F. According to its characteristics, Schuko CEE 7/4 Suitable for the French type of forks E CEE 7/5.

There is also a hybrid type of electric plug E / F - CTT 7 | 7, combining German and French quality. Very common in EU countries when using devices of medium and high power consumption. They have a grounding contact, suitable for sockets of type C, E and F with a diameter of 4.8 mm metal pins.

DA Info Pro - March 6th. When connecting any household appliance to the electrical network, we do not think about what types of electrical outlets can be. However, you can get into some confusion when repairing electrical wiring in a house abroad or in an apartment in which foreigners lived before you. In addition, some problems can be encountered when traveling to another country when trying to plug an electric plug into the network.

Electric plugs vary from country to country. Therefore, the US Department of Commerce (ITA) in 1998 adopted a standard according to which different types of electrical outlets and plugs were assigned their designation. We will write in detail for each type of electrical outlet.

Classification principle and main types

Total exists 15 typeselectrical outlets. The differences are in shape, size, maximum current, ground connection. All types of outlets are legally fixed in the countries within the framework of standards and norms. Although the sockets in the image above may be similar in shape, they vary in size of the sockets and pins (plugs).

All types according to the American classification are designated as Type X (Type X).

In most countries, standards are determined by their history. So, for example, India, being a British colony until 1947, adopted its standard. You can still meet the old standard in some UK hotels Type D.

The image shows the types of electrical outlets in different countries of the world

Although polarity is not important with a single-phase current connection, type A and B sockets are polarized. This is manifested in the fact that the plugs have a different thickness - the position of the plug is important. In addition, in the USA, where they are actively distributed, an alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 127 V is used.

The development of various types of sockets and plugs

The widespread use of electricity in everyday life required the introduction of standards in the field of connecting electrical appliances. This would make electricity safer, appliances more reliable and more versatile.

And many manufacturers of electrical equipment and devices in practice provide removable cords for their devices for various types and countries.

Electrical outlets and plugs have evolved, including under tightening security requirements. So from Type D, Type G appeared - the maximum current increased, additional protective insulating coatings appeared at the base of the plugs.

Some types of connectors are already outdated. So American Type I, Soviet Type I, old Spanish sockets, plugs with cut out plugs left everyday use. In fact, many countries standardize sizes among themselves. And standardization committees are trying to make interstate standards at the official level. The main such organization is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

It turns out interesting with the connection of electric stoves - the maximum power can reach 10 kW. In various countries, they have introduced into the rules and regulations the use of a separate type of electrical outlet for such powerful appliances. And in some places they generally oblige you to connect without a socket in a fixed way.

To connect plugs of one type to an outlet of another, adapters are usually sold. They are found both from one type of electrical outlet to another, and universal - from any to a specific.