Electrical Plug Types

Electrical plugs and sockets differ from one another in voltage and current rating shape size and connector type.

Electrical plug types.

The plug has two flat 1 5 mm thick blades measuring 15 9 18 3 mm in length and spaced 12 7 mm apart. There are currently 15 types of domestic electrical outlet plugs in use worldwide each of which has been assigned a letter by the us department of commerce international trade administration ita starting with a and moving through the alphabet. The list also reveals that types a and c are the most frequently used electric plugs worldwide. Whether you re looking for light switches like a dimmer switch or switch plate covers lowe s.

The third hole is the ground hole. The purpose of so many different types is to prevent the wrong combinations of electrical systems from being plugged together thereby avoiding potentially dangerous conditions. The table shows that in most countries the mains supply is between 220 and 240 volts 50 or 60 hz. If you want to replace an outlet simply turn off the power to the outlet and remove it.

It is known as nema 1 15 and was invented in 1904 by harvey hubbell ii. Plug socket types around the world. The hot hole is connected to the wire that supplies the electrical current. When you plug in a lamp and turn it on the hot part of the outlet allows electricity to flow into the lamp turning on the light bulb.

But lowe s makes it easy with a wide selection of colors designs and styles of wall plates for you to choose from. While straight blade plugs and connectors are usually designed for household and industrial appliances twist lock plugs and. Ac power plugs and sockets connect electric equipment to the alternating current ac power supply in buildings and at other sites. Rv electrical adapter fits 50 amp male to 30 amp female with pull out handles type 10 3 stw 30 amp 125 v to 4 degrees fahrenheit cold weather jacket black with yellow handles item 960808 model rvp095.

When building and designing your home buying switch plates and plugs connectors are usually the last thing on your to do list. Different standard systems of plugs and sockets are used around the world. Electrical plugs and connectors will have either a straight blade or twist lock connection. Get the amp rating off the outlet and pick up a replacement with that rating and the same configuration and number of holes.

The most common electrical outlets are 15 amp duplex receptacles 15 amp outlets are designed to accept standard plugs for most small appliances and lamps. The neutral hole is connected to the wire that brings the electrical current back to the breaker box. Type a plugs are generally polarised and can only be inserted one way because the two blades do not have the same width. Let lowe s power your home with electrical outlets.