What are plug sockets?

Plug sockets are electrical devices attached to walls or bodies of appliances, which are primarily designed to create a safe and convenient instrument for power distribution. They are designed specifically to fit a particular type of plug, which also determines their types, and can directly power anything electrically.

Types of plug sockets

Plug sockets are available in a range of different varieties, corresponding to the particular type of plug they accommodate. Other than that, they are available in a variety of colours and aesthetic designs. 

Depending on the type of plug the plug socket is compatible with, it can be categorised into the following types:

Type A

These feature 2 pins and are compatible with Type A plugs. These types of plug sockets are chiefly used in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. 

Type B

These are compatible with both Type A and Type B plugs as they have a 3-pin structure. They are used in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Type C

Typically used in Europe, South America and Asia, the Type C plug socket accommodates Type C plugs and has 2 pins. 

Type D

With 3 pins, the Type D plug socket is ideal for Type D plugs but can also accommodate Type C, E and F plugs. These are the most typical plug sockets used in India. 

Type E

These possess 2 pins, are compatible with Types C, E and F plugs, and are widely used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia.

Type F

Similar to Type E, these are used across Europe and Russia, except the UK and Ireland. 

Type G

These have 3 pins and are commonly used in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Type H

Having 3 pins, these are compatible with Types C and H plugs. 

Type I

Compatible with Type I plugs, these are available in both 2 pins and 3 pins varieties. 

Type J

These plug sockets are 3 pins and compatible with Types C and J plugs. 

Type K

These types of plug sockets are used exclusively in Denmark and Greenland and possess 3 pins.

Type L

These have 3 pins and are compatible with Types C and L plugs. 

Type M

Typically used in South Africa, these have 3 pins. 

Type N

Compatible with both Types C and N, these are 3-pin sockets widely used in South Africa and Brazil. 

Type O

Exclusively used in Thailand, these have 3 pins that are compatible with Types C, O, E and F.