International Plug Guide
Country plugs and market requirements
International Plug Guide
Use this guide to identify common mains plugs and the countries where they are used. Then check the exact voltage, frequency, current and approval for your destination.
Important Plug shape is only the first check. Similar plugs can follow different national standards. A plug that fits may still have the wrong rating or approval.
Five checks before you order
Choose the complete cord for the destination and the equipment. Do not select only by a photo of the wall socket.
Common international plug systems
The voltage and frequency values below are common supply values. Some countries use more than one voltage or plug system. Always confirm the installation and the exact product data.
Types C, E and F
CEE 7/16 Europlug and CEE 7/7 grounded plug
Use CEE 7/7 for grounded equipment. The two-pin Europlug is normally used for lower-power Class II equipment and does not provide protective earth.
Type G
BS 1363 family, grounded and fused
The same Type G shape is used in several markets. Check the exact ASTA, SIRIM, PSB, HKSI, G-Mark or SASO entry for the selected SKU.
Type B
NEMA 5-15P grounded plug
NEMA includes many plug configurations. The current MK Cable category covers NEMA 5-15P only. Confirm the outlet and current before ordering.
Japanese Types A and B
JIS C 8303 plug system
The shape can look similar to a North American plug, but Japan uses a different supply and national requirements. Do not replace a Japanese cord with a NEMA cord without verification.
Type I
AS/NZS 3112 plug system
A similar pin layout is also used in China and Argentina, but the national standards and approvals are different.
Chinese Type I-style plug
GB/T 1002 plug system
Do not use an Australian approval as proof of Chinese compliance. The plug appearance is similar, but the standard and certification route are separate.
Type J
SN 441011 (formerly SEV 1011)
The Swiss plug system has several current and pin configurations. Confirm the exact plug type and product approval.
Type K
Danish plug system
Some Danish sockets also accept other European plugs, but protective-earth compatibility must be checked. For grounded equipment, select the approved plug for the installed outlet.
Type L
CEI 23-50 plug system
The 10 A and 16 A Type L versions have different pin sizes and spacing. They are not the same interface.
Type N
NBR 14136 plug system
Brazil uses both 127 V and 220 V, depending on the location. The 10 A and 20 A plug versions also have different pin diameters.
Types D and M
IS 1293 plug family
India uses different plug sizes and ratings. Type D and the larger Type M are not interchangeable. Confirm the installed outlet and the current BIS approval for the exact product.
South African systems
SANS 164 plug family
South Africa uses more than one SANS 164 interface. The current MK Cable range includes different plug systems for lower-current and higher-current cords.
Type H
SI 32 plug system
Modern Type H plugs use round pins. Confirm the exact SI 32 construction and approval for the finished cord.
Type O
TIS 166 plug system
Type O is the official Thai plug. Older and multi-standard sockets can also be found, so confirm the installed outlet and the approval required for new equipment.
Drawings are simplified front views for identification only. They are not dimensional drawings.
Similar shape does not mean the same product
These are common selection mistakes in international projects.
What MK Cable needs for a correct selection
| Information | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Destination | Singapore | Defines the local plug and approval route |
| Electrical supply | 230 V, 50 Hz | Must match the equipment and installation |
| Equipment inlet | IEC C14 inlet | Defines the cord connector, for example C13 |
| Required current | 10 A | Sets the minimum rating for every cord part |
| Cable and length | 3G1.0 mm², 2 m | Affects rating, voltage drop and approval scope |
| Quantity and date | 500 pcs, required in October | Allows a stock or custom-production proposal |
Frequently asked questions
Is the plug type enough to choose a power cord?
No. Also confirm the country, voltage, frequency, equipment inlet, current, cable construction and approval for the exact product.
Does a plug adapter change the voltage?
No. A simple adapter changes only the physical connection. It does not convert voltage or frequency.
Can one Type G cord be used in every Type G country?
Not automatically. The plug may fit, but the required national approval can be different.
Why does one country have more than one plug?
Some countries use different plug sizes for different currents. Others are changing from an older system to a newer system, or still have regional differences.
Can any country plug be connected to any IEC connector?
Only when the complete cord can meet the electrical, mechanical and approval requirements. Higher-current IEC connectors need a suitable plug, cable and conductor size.
Need a cord for a specific country?
Send us the destination, plug, IEC inlet, current, cable, length, quantity and required delivery date.