When traveling abroad, the format of the outlet and the voltage in the network is important, because each of us will need to charge our mobile phone, laptop or tablet. Most power supplies for electronic devices such as laptops, chargers, mobile devices, camcorders, and cameras have a universal power supply, so they are capable of operating at a supply voltage of 100 to 240 volts, and a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz.
There is two standard wall outlet voltage in the world: European – 220-240V and American 100-127V. And two AC frequency standards: 50Hz and 60Hz. USA, Japan, and most South American countries use 100-127V 60Hz bundle. The rest of the world mainly uses European 220-240V 50Hz. In addition, there are several countries in the world with different variations of voltage and frequency, for example, the Philippines, where a voltage of 220-240V with a frequency of 60 Hz is used.
MAP-SCHEME OF USE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD VOLTAGE AND CURRENT FREQUENCY
Electrical outlet standards have evolved independently in most countries, so for the most part, plugs and sockets from different countries are not compatible with each other.
MAP-DIAGRAM OF USE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD OF ELECTRIC PLUGS AND SOCKETS BY TYPE
Summary table of outlet types, voltage, and frequency by country
There are a great many ways to connect to the electrical network, different types of plugs and sockets, and for a tourist (coupled with different voltages and frequencies), such a variety turns into a serious problem.
Of the many connections, 13 of the most commonly used types of sockets are distinguished, denoted by Latin letters from A to M :
![]() |
Two vertical flat pins | USA, Japan |
![]() |
It differs from type A in the presence of a central D-shaped earthing rod | USA, Canada, Central America |
![]() |
Two round pins | Europe |
![]() |
Two thin and one thick round pins | still stayed in Britain |
![]() |
Two round prongs on plug and one on socket | France |
![]() |
Two round pins, like type C, lugs for grounding | Europe |
![]() |
Two rectangular horizontal and one vertical pin | UK, Malaysia, Singapore |
![]() |
Three flat (old) angled or round pins | Israel |
![]() |
Three angled flat pins | Australia, New Zealand |
![]() |
Two round pins like type C, center pin different from type F. Special shape of the plug. | Switzerland |
![]() |
Similar to French Type E, but the center D-shaped grounding prong has been moved to the plug | Denmark |
![]() |
Three round pins in a row | Italy |
![]() |
Similar to British Type D but with thicker pins | South Africa |
To connect electrical appliances to networks with outlets of an unsuitable format, various adapters and adapters are used. There are universal sockets that allow you to connect devices with several types of plugs at once.
In which countries besides the USA is the 100 – 127 V standard widespread?
Here is a list of countries where 100-127 V networks are used. This should be taken into account if you are planning to go on vacation abroad.
Country | Voltage, V |
Samoa | 120 |
Anguilla | 110 |
Aruba | 127 |
Bahamas | 120 |
Barbados | 110 |
Belize | 120 |
Bermuda | 120 |
Bonaire | 127 |
Brazil | 127 |
Venezuela | 120 |
Virgin Islands | 110 |
Haiti | 110 |
Guatemala | 120 |
Honduras | 110 |
Guam | 110 |
Dominican Republic | 110 |
Cayman islands | 120 |
Canada | 110 |
Taiwan | 110 |
Colombia | 120 |
Costa Rica | 120 |
Cuba | 110 |
Liberia | 110 |
Libya | 127 |
Madagascar | 127 |
Morocco | 127 |
Mexico | 127 |
Micronesia | 120 |
Antilles | 127 |
Nicaragua | 120 |
Panama | 110 |
Puerto Rico | 120 |
Salvador | 115 |
Saudi Arabia | 127 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 110 |
Suriname | 127 |
Tahiti | 110 |
Trinidad and Tobago | 115 |
Ecuador | 120 |
Jamaica | 110 |
Japan | 100 |
As you can see, there are not so few countries where the voltage is 100-127 V.