A Complete Guide to Mains Sockets and Plugs

Many different types of mains plugs are available, each suited to different applications and varying international standards. You can find a comprehensive chart listing all the different plug types plus a useful resource detailing all international plug standards by country in our complete guide to travel adapters.

However, some of the main types that you may encounter are also listed below:

Also known as the Europlug, the type C electrical plug is a two-wire plug which features two round pins. Type C outlets generally run on 220V-240V and are only usable for devices which use 2.5 Amps or less.

Type C plugs are typically used in the majority of countries across mainland Europe. Notable European exceptions include the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.

The type D electrical plug features three large, round pins which are presented in a triangular formation. Type D plugs are rated at 5 Amps.

These plugs are typically used in countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Namibia.

The type E plug features two round pins measuring 4.8mm. These pins are spaced at 19mm apart alongside a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. These plugs are rated at 16 Amps.

It is also worth noting that new type E plugs can incorporate side-swiping earth contacts that are suitable for type F sockets. These exist for compatibility between type E and type F, in addition to the round earth hole as type E sockets have an earth pin. Type E electrical plugs are typically used in a selection of countries such as France, Belgium, Slovakia, and Tunisia.

Also known as the Schuko plug, the type F plug is quite similar to the type E electrical plug and therefore, also features the side swiping earth contacts for compatibility as mentioned above. Type F plugs feature two round pins which measure 4.8mm and the pins are spaced 19mm apart. They are rated at 16 Amps.

These plugs are in use across many European countries, including Germany, Austria, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Standards changed with the introduction of CEE 7/7. In order to ensure that type E and type F are compatible, the side swiping earth was introduced with earth holes or pins on sockets and plugs. Type F sockets will feature side swiping clips internally, whereas type E sockets will have the pin in place and therefore, type F plugs have the hole to ensure they can be used with type E sockets.

The type G plug features three rectangular blades positioned in a triangular pattern. These plugs also feature incorporated fuses. Type G electrical plugs are rated between 3 Amps and 13 Amps, depending on the socket outlet.

These plugs are used in the UK as well as other countries including Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The type J plug features two round pins, in addition to a grounding pin. They are rated at 10 Amps.

Type J electrical plugs are typically used in Switzerland and Lichtenstein.

Mains socket mounts are the components used to mount the socket when it is attached to the wall and connected to the circuit.

Various mains socket mount types are available, each best suited to different uses and applications. Some of the key types are listed below:

Panel mount mains sockets are among the most popular mains plug socket mount types available. They are highly functional and simple in design, providing a trusted mounting method. Advantages include the direct attachment of the connector and the panel, removing the potential for external strain on delicate electrical components.

Cable mount mains sockets are durable and reliable, as well as being well suited to a diverse range of applications. They are widely used in a variety of environments and are in widespread use today.

DIN rails are metal rails widely used for mounting devices such as circuit breakers inside equipment racks. They are advantageous due to their versatility, and they can be used with an extensive range of components. DIN rail mount mains sockets are typically used in industrial applications.

Plug-in mount mains sockets are less widely used than some of the other types, but they are more common in certain European countries such as France and Germany. They are hard-wearing and typically provide features such as strain relief.

Female mains sockets feature a recessed hole. They are designed to comfortably house male plugs (plugs with exposed pins) and create a reliable electrical connection.

Male mains sockets are the plugs with exposed pins which fit into female mains sockets. This connection is designed to provide a secure hold, ensuring a strong electrical connection.

The IET wiring regulations (BS 7671) allow an unlimited quantity of 13A sockets to be installed on a ring circuit, so long as the floor area these socket outlets serve is not larger than 100m². These sockets can be unfused single or double, or any number of fused outlets.