Try to imagine homo modernus without mobile phones, cameras, laptops, navigation systems and other gadgets? The answer is simple: it's impossible. Well, all these benefits of civilization cannot exist without "nutrition", they need recharging.
That is why beaches, parks, museums fade into the background, and the first thing a traveler should think about is what sockets and what voltage will be in the country where he is going.
In most cases, the issue is resolved with the help of an adapter. But it can become useless if the voltage in the network is very different from the native, domestic one. For example, in Europe the voltage varies from 220 to 240 V in the USA and Japan - from 100 to 127 V. If you don't guess, burn your device.
Let's try to understand the wisdom of electrical engineering.
Voltage and frequency
By and large, in the world, only two levels of electrical voltage are used in the household network:
European - 220 - 240 V and American - 100 - 127 V, and two AC frequencies - 50 and 60 Hz.
Voltage 220 - 240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz is used by most countries of the world.
Voltage 100 -127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz - in the USA, countries of North, Central and, in part, South America, Japan, etc.
At the same time, there are variations, for example, in the Philippines, 220 V and 60 Hz, and in Madagascar - on the contrary, 100 V and 50 Hz, even within the same country, depending on the region, there may be different standards, for example, in different parts of Brazil , Japan, Saudi Arabia, Maldives.
Therefore, before you hit the road, collect as much information as possible about the circuits and signals, the types of sockets used in the country and the voltage in the network.
Electrical sockets
There are a lot of sockets, plugs and options for connecting to the electrical network. But do not be afraid, there is no need to deal with everyone and look for each adapter.
It is necessary to remember (save, sketch, photograph) the 13 most used types of sockets, which are indicated in Latin letters from A to M:
Type A - American electrical socket and plug: two flat parallel contacts. It is used in most countries of North and Central America (USA, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala), in Japan, and almost everywhere where the mains voltage is 110 V.
Type B is a variation of the Type A connector, with an additional round ground pin. Commonly used in the same countries as the Type A connector.
Type C - European socket and plug. It has two round parallel contacts (without grounding). This is the most popular outlet in Europe, except for England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Used where the voltage is 220V.
Type D is an old British standard with three round contacts arranged in a triangle shape, with one of the contacts thicker than the other two, rated for maximum current. Used in India, Nepal, Namibia, Sri Lanka.
Type E - plug with two round pins and a hole for the grounding contact, which is located in the socket socket. This type is now almost universally used in Poland, France and Belgium.
Type F - standard similar to type E, but instead of a round ground pin, there are two metal clips on both sides of the connector. You will find such sockets in Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway, Sweden.
Type G - British socket with three flat pins. Used in England, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Note. This type of socket often comes with a built-in internal fuse. Therefore, if after connecting the device it does not work, then the first thing to do is to check the condition of the fuse in the outlet.
Type H - has three flat contacts or, in the earlier version, round contacts arranged in a V shape. Only used in Israel and Gaza. Not compatible with any other plug, designed for voltages of 220 V and currents up to 16 A.
Type I - Australian socket: two flat pins, like the US type A plug, but they are angled to each other - in the shape of a V. Also available in a version with a ground contact. Used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina.
Type J - Swiss plug and socket. It looks like a Type C plug, but has an extra ground pin in the middle and two round power pins. Used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Maldives.
Type K - Danish socket and plug, similar to the European type C, but with a grounding contact located at the bottom of the connector. Used in Denmark, Greenland, Bangladesh, Senegal and the Maldives.
Type L - Italian plug and socket, similar to the European Type C socket, but with a round ground pin that is in the center, the two round power pins are arranged unusually in a line. Used in Italy, Chile, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Cuba.
Type M - an African socket and plug with three round pins arranged in a triangle shape, while the ground pin is clearly thicker than the other two. It looks like a type D connector, but it has much thicker contacts. A socket is designed to power devices with a current of up to 15 A. Used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.
A few words about various kinds of adapters.
The easiest way to be ready to put the plug in the outlet is to pre-purchase an adapter, converter or transformer (that's whoever needs it). In most hotels, if you ask, the right device will be picked up for you at the reception.
Adapters - combine your plug with someone else's outlet without affecting the voltage, the most versatile device.
Converters - provide the conversion of local parameters of the electrical network, but for a short time, up to 2 hours. It is used for small (camping) household appliances: hair dryer, razor, kettle, iron. Convenient on the road due to small size and weight.
Transformers are more powerful, large and expensive voltage converters designed for continuous operation. Used for complex electrical appliances: computers, TVs, etc.
And at the end, an easy life hack on how to use an English socket without an adapter
Happy travels!
Sources: wikimedia.org, travel.ru, enovator.ru, personal experience.
To connect all kinds of household appliances, lighting equipment and other devices that use electricity in its various forms, there is a plug connection. One of the components was an electrical outlet, the second - a plug. The rapid development of the market for household appliances and electronics has caused increased loads on home power networks. Various devices are available to protect against electric shock. Including grounding plug.
Plug types
The separation is simple: collapsible or monolithic. Regardless of the form, the content and purpose are the same. Each plug connector is designed to connect the consumer to the supplier of electric current - a socket.
Non-separable devices are more popular due to convenience and reliability. Elasticity allows you not to worry about a wire break in the event of a jerk. The solidity of the structure prevents moisture from getting inside, and therefore from short circuits and oxidation. A common fault is a kink at the base of the connector. Unlike collapsible forks, such products are not repairable.
main parameters
Each device is characterized by individual features. But there are features that distinguish one fork from another. There are several such details:
- The number of contacts is two or three. For example, equipment intended for use in Europe has two pins, American three.
- Their shape is the most diverse: from flat to polygonal.
- connection standard.
Grounded plug and its design
The safety factor is decisive in the production of electrical equipment. All developments and improvements are aimed at this. One such implementation was the grounding plug. In the Soviet years, residential buildings did not have ground loops, so the average person had no idea about this voltage protection system. It was enough to disassemble the socket or plug and connect two wires.
Now all new equipment is equipped with new standard connectors with a third, grounding one. New buildings are rented out according to the requirements, with the arrangement of separately connected land. The main part of any plug is the contacts. They are available in steel or copper, as well as zinc, tin or nickel plated.
There are three of them in an electric plug with grounding:
Main standards
Since there is no single standard for powering electrical appliances on the planet, there are also many varieties of plug connections . All states use two different types of food:
- A voltage of 110-127 V and a frequency of 60 hertz are used in American countries.
- 220-240 V, 50 hertz - European sample.
In most states, one type of voltage is accepted, but there are exceptions when both are in use. In total, there are 14 standard types of connection plus special plugs for some equipment to prevent household voltage from entering it, for example, a wired radio connector.
Type A connector
Similar compounds are used in North and Central American states and in Japan. The opposing pins in the Japanese plug are identical, in the American plug one is thicker to maintain polarity. The second name of the state standard is Class II. Interestingly, an Asian plug will fit into an American outlet without any problems, but it will not work the other way around without a special groove.
Class B standard
Powerful household devices consuming current up to 15 amperes in the same countries have this type of connection. Sometimes it is called Class I, and the international classifier gives the NEMA 5-15 label. This is the same as the previous view, only with a ground contact. In the American wilderness, type A connectors are still found, but in most the entire territory is moving to standard B.
It will not work to find a device for sale with the plug plugged into an outlet using the outdated method. In the old building, new devices with a sawn-off ground contact are not uncommon.
Connector class C
Most of Europe used connectors of this standard. The international name is CEE 7 / 16. In the republics of the Soviet Union, they used such plugs, which to this day are called Soviet. In accordance with the latest requirements in the field of electrical safety, Europeans have mastered new standards. For the convenience of using old household appliances, its plugs fit into new sockets, while modern plugs do not fit into old ones.
Plugs of other standards
The following connection systems are divided into smaller groups. They follow their own regional methodology, but many of them are partially compatible. Depending on the nationality, there is such a breakdown:
In order to avoid confusion in combinations, it is necessary to develop a single standard and requirements for voltage and frequency of electric current. This is a matter of huge financial costs, because the energy systems of most states will have to be redesigned.
domestic devices
All devices manufactured in our country and officially imported must be equipped with standard C plugs in accordance with GOST 7396. 1-89. All data is applied to its body. These are the limits of current, frequency and voltage. At the moment, such plugs are divided into two groups:
- Plug according to the international classification CEE 7 / 16, or C 5. Pin diameter 4 mm. They are isolated from the case and are designed for currents up to 6 amperes (total load 1.3 kilowatts). Grounding is not provided.
- Corresponding to category CEE 7 / 17, the plug belongs to class C 6. Its pins are thicker (4.8 millimeters) and the current it can withstand is higher - 10 amperes, which corresponds to 2.2 kilowatts of load. There is a ground contact.
You can take into account existing appliances with old, standard C1 - b, plugs. They are not equipped with earth and are equipped with 6 mm thick pins.
Such an important element of the electrical circuit cannot be connected without taking into account the characteristics of the connected device and the capabilities of the plug itself. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, it is better to choose a product with the ability to connect to grounding, as more and more objects with a ready-made circuit and a three-pole socket appear in our country.
An electric plug is a special plug invention that is required for quick and easy connection / disconnection of goods from the mains. It is worth clarifying that each device is connected directly to the network through an outlet, and this is due to the use of a cord with a plug located at its end. On the body of each plug without exception, as a rule, a special marking is applied, it indicates the technical characteristics.
It is important to pay attention to the fact that the plugs are arranged quite simply, and if the cord is connected correctly, following strict rules, they will perform their function efficiently and as required.
If there is a need for an urgent replacement of the plug on the wire, then you need to decide, first of all, with a specific type of device. It is important to understand the accuracy of the power consumption of an electrical appliance, as well as the need for grounding. In order for everything to be good, there are no problem situations, you need to take care of the serviceability and quality of products.
Selection of quality electrical plugs
In the online store you can choose a socket of any color, an electrical plug, a switch. Characteristics of modern products:
- reliability;
- quality;
- ease of use.
You can look at the straight version of the electrical plug, as well as the angled product model. It is important to pay attention to the fact that plugs, sockets are the main part of the connection, which guarantees a reliable connection of electrical appliances directly to the outlet. The choice of a particular type of product depends on the preferences of each interested customer. Technical parameters of the product: grounding; network voltage; maximum load; rated current. All this suggests that these devices are distinguished not only by quality, but also by a long service life. Rest assured that proven products are safe to use.
A large selection of modern and proven products attracts the attention of customers. Take a look at the company catalog, we have everything you need. You can take advantage of these great deals right now. You can buy products both wholesale and retail, according to your desire. If you have any questions, please contact the experienced specialists of our company.
Most often, electrical appliances are supplied with a ready-made system for connecting them to the network. However, there are situations when it is necessary to replace an element such as an electric plug. Choosing the right option is very important, as well as connecting it correctly. In order to avoid unpleasant situations in the future, you should study the technology for repairing equipment.
Types of electric plugs
There are only three types of electrical plugs. These are collapsible and non-collapsible (cast) types of equipment.
Each of them performs the same function. An electric plug of any type serves as a network connection with a current conductor.
Cast plugs have gained great popularity in the world of modern household appliances. They are reliable, aesthetic and also comfortable. The wire is attached to the pins by spot welding. The system in this case resembles a single wire. There is no contact in this case. This method of fastening ensures that there is no oxidation and loosening at the junctions of the wire with the pins of the plug.
The reason for the breakage of a cast plug is a fracture of the conductor at the base. Usually such devices are not repaired.
A collapsible plug will help bring the device back to life. The electrical cord is connected to the plug very tightly. The better the contact, the better the equipment works.
Global plug markings
Depending on the state that produces the presented equipment, there are 13 varieties of gifts and plugs for them. They are marked in Latin letters.
Types A and B of electrical plugs are assigned to American plugs. Type A does not have a ground, and B already contains a place for its connection. Their pins are flat.
Type C belongs to European plugs with round pins without earth. Marking D have English sockets. The pins are round, two thin and one thick.
French electrical plugs with a place for grounding have two round pins. The third is in the socket.
The type F grounding plug is similar to C. Only it has two grounding plates.
British plugs include types M and G. Other European varieties include sockets J, K, L. Australian plugs for electrical cords are marked with the letter I, and Israeli - H.
Adapters are used to connect the plug to incompatible sockets.
Electric plugs in our country
In our country, there are 4 types of trailed and cast forks.
Type C is a non-separable fork. They most often come with household appliances and are connected to a cord.
Type C5 has round pins with a diameter of 4 mm, without earth contacts. The power of equipment connected to such a plug does not exceed 1.3 kW (6 A).
Type C6 belongs to such equipment as an electric plug, which may not have a grounding trailer. In some variants, they have a ground pin. Pin diameter - 4.8 mm. The plug is designed for power up to 2 kW (10 A).
Type C1-b includes collapsible varieties, designed for a power of 1.3 kW (6 A).
Which fork is best?
Among professional electricians, there is an opinion that a cast plug is still more reliable. This applies to quality products from well-known manufacturers.
The connection of the wire with the pins takes place in production by soldering or, in very rare cases, by crimping. The subsequent hermetic casting of the body reliably protects the junction, and also prevents oxidative processes in this segment.
The only weak point of such a product is the connection of the conductor to the plug. If a break occurs, it is better not to try to disassemble the cast version of the product. Having decided to repair the device, you should connect a collapsible plug to the wire.
Rules for connecting plug C1-b
Different types of electrical plugs will require certain installation guidelines for each.
For detachable plugs C1-b, good contact of the wire with the pins should be ensured. The ends of the conductors should be tinned.
The insulation from the cable is removed by 20-25 mm without touching the cores. Rings should be formed around the crimp screws of the plug. The remaining overlap is wound around the cleaned base.
The finished ring is removed and carefully tinned so as not to press the insulation. Then they are again put on the screws and clamped to the stop. Care must be taken not to break the thread.
Pins with wires are inserted into the landing recesses. The outgoing wire is pressed with an insulating bar without damaging the outer sheath of the cable. Next, the halves of the plug are tightened with a bolt and nut.
Connecting the wire to the plug C5 and C6
Here the process of connecting the wire is even easier. The electric plug type C5 and C6 already incorporates special pads. You don't need to make rings. Wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm square. envy up to 10 mm, and from 1.5 mm square. - up to 20 mm. It has to do with connection technology.
Thin wires will need to be folded in half before fasteners. The core is twisted and inserted into the terminal.
It is better to tighten the pads from time to time in order to ensure good contact quality. In such devices, it is quite good.
If the mains does not provide grounding, you should not connect an extra contact anywhere. The third conductor is left unstripped as a reserve. It can come in handy when one of the veins breaks.
If you install a plug with a high power limit on an electrical appliance, this will increase its margin of safety. However, putting a plug on the equipment with a smaller load capacity, one should expect it to overheat, fail and create an emergency. Be sure to pay attention to the marking of the plug and the power of the household appliance.
Having familiarized yourself with the varieties of such an electrical circuit element as an electric plug, you can choose the right option for replacing the old plug. There are several types of such devices. Each is selected in accordance with the required load of the household appliance to which the wire with the plug is connected. By making the connection in accordance with all the rules, there is no doubt about the durability and safety of the operation of the electric plug.
