Plug Type Compatibility Matrix
Interactive matrix showing which plug types fit in which socket types. Click any cell to see detailed compatibility information for all 15 international plug standards.
Plug & Socket Compatibility Matrix
This interactive matrix shows compatibility between different plug types (rows) and socket types (columns).
Plug → Socket ↓ | A Type A Socket USA/Japan | B Type B Socket USA Grounded | C Type C Socket Europlug | D Type D Socket India 5A | E Type E Socket French | F Type F Socket Schuko | G Type G Socket British | H Type H Socket Israeli | I Type I Socket Australia/China | J Type J Socket Swiss | K Type K Socket Danish | L Type L Socket Italian | M Type M Socket South African | N Type N Socket Brazilian | O Type O Socket Thai |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Type A Plug USA/Japan | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
B Type B Plug USA Grounded | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
C Type C Plug Europlug | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
D Type D Plug India 5A | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
E Type E Plug French | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ✓ | ◐ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
F Type F Plug Schuko | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ◐ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
G Type G Plug British | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
H Type H Plug Israeli | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
I Type I Plug Australia/China | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
J Type J Plug Swiss | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
K Type K Plug Danish | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
L Type L Plug Italian | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
M Type M Plug South African | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
N Type N Plug Brazilian | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
O Type O Plug Thai | ✗ | ✗ | ◐ | ✗ | ◐ | ◐ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
How to use:
- • Click any cell to see detailed compatibility information
- • Use the dropdown to highlight a specific plug type's compatibility
- • Rows represent plug types you have, columns represent socket types at destination
- • Green (✓) means full compatibility - no adapter needed
- • Yellow (◐) means partial compatibility - may work but adapter recommended
- • Red (✗) means incompatible - adapter required
Understanding International Plug Compatibility: What This Matrix Reveals
The plug compatibility matrix above is the most comprehensive visual guide to understanding which electrical plugs fit into which sockets worldwide. This interactive tool reveals the complex relationships between the 15 international plug types (Type A through Type O) and shows you exactly which combinations work without adapters, which require adapters, and which are completely incompatible.
Physical Fit Analysis
The "Physical Fit" mode shows pure mechanical compatibility - whether the metal pins of one plug type can physically insert into the socket openings of another type. This is based on international electrical standards like IEC 60906 and reflects the actual dimensions, pin spacing, and socket depth measurements.
Key Findings:
- • Type C plugs (Europlug) fit into 7 different socket types
- • Type A plugs work in Type B sockets (but lose grounding)
- • British Type G plugs only fit Type G sockets
- • Type F (Schuko) has the most versatile compatibility
Real World Usage
The "Real World" mode filters out rarely-used plug types and focuses on what modern travelers actually encounter. This view emphasizes PRIMARY plug types found in 90% of outlets in each country, giving you practical compatibility information for real-world travel scenarios.
Practical Insights:
- • Legacy plugs are filtered out (rarely encountered)
- • Focus on modern building electrical systems
- • Reflects actual hotel and accommodation outlets
- • Removes historical standards no longer in use
Complete Plug Type Compatibility Analysis
Type A (North American Ungrounded) Compatibility
Type A plugs are the flat, two-pin plugs common in North America and Japan. The matrix reveals that Type A plugs have limited international compatibility, working primarily in Type A and Type B sockets. This plug type's narrow design means it fits into several socket types but often without proper grounding.
✅ Compatible Sockets
- • Type A (Native fit)
- • Type B (Fits but no grounding)
⚠️ Partial Compatibility
- • Some Type I sockets (loose fit)
- • Older Type C sockets (forced fit)
❌ Incompatible
- • Types D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O
- • Requires adapter for most international travel
Travel Impact: Travelers from the US, Canada, and Japan will need adapters for most international destinations. The lack of grounding means sensitive electronics may not be properly protected even when the plug physically fits.
Type C (Europlug) Universal Compatibility
Type C plugs are the most universally compatible plugs in the world. The matrix shows Type C's exceptional versatility - these round, two-pin plugs can fit into more socket types than any other plug design. This makes Type C the foundation of most universal travel adapters.
✅ Exceptional Compatibility
- • Type C (Perfect fit)
- • Type E (Fits snugly)
- • Type F (Fits without ground clips)
- • Type H (Fits center sockets)
- • Type J (Fits two-pin openings)
- • Type K (Fits without ground pin)
- • Type L (Fits larger sockets)
- • Type N (Fits recessed design)
🌍 Global Coverage
Type C plugs work in virtually all European countries, most of Asia, South America, and Africa. This represents approximately 75% of world destinations.
Coverage: 140+ countries worldwide
Why Type C Works Everywhere: The Europlug standard was designed for maximum international compatibility. Its 4mm pin diameter, 19mm spacing, and ungrounded design allow it to fit safely into most socket types worldwide, making it the ultimate travel plug.
Type G (British) Isolation Characteristics
The matrix clearly shows Type G's unique isolation - British plugs work only in British sockets. This three-pin rectangular design is completely incompatible with all other international socket types, making it the most geographically restricted plug standard.
❌ Complete Isolation
- • Only compatible with Type G sockets
- • Cannot fit any other socket type
- • Requires adapters for all international travel
- • No partial compatibility with any other standard
🔒 Safety Features
The isolation isn't accidental - Type G plugs have built-in safety shutters, fusing requirements, and specific pin lengths that make them incompatible by design.
- • Mandatory fusing in plug head
- • Safety shutter system
- • Longer earth pin opens socket
Travel Reality: UK, Ireland, and former British territories use Type G exclusively. Travelers from these regions must carry adapters for every international destination, and visitors to the UK always need Type G adapters.
Grounding Compatibility Patterns
The matrix reveals important grounding patterns that affect electrical safety. Many apparently "compatible" combinations actually lose grounding protection, which can be crucial for sensitive electronic equipment and personal safety.
✅ Maintains Grounding
- • Type F ↔ Type F (Side clips)
- • Type E ↔ Type E (Center pin)
- • Type B ↔ Type B (Round pin)
- • Type I ↔ Type I (Angled pins)
⚠️ Loses Grounding
- • Type A → Type B socket
- • Type C → Type F socket
- • Type C → Type E socket
- • Ungrounded in grounded sockets
🔄 Cross-Compatible
- • Type E ↔ Type F (Special cases)
- • Some Type C in Type K
- • Depends on socket design
Regional Plug Compatibility Patterns Revealed by the Matrix
🇪🇺 European Compatibility Zone
The matrix reveals Europe's excellent internal compatibility. Most European countries use variations of Type C, E, and F, which have significant cross-compatibility. This creates a "European compatibility zone" where travelers need minimal adapters.
Compatibility Highlights:
- • Type C works in 90% of European sockets
- • Type F (Germany) accepts Type C and E
- • Type E (France) accepts Type C
- • Seamless travel across most EU countries
🌏 Asia-Pacific Diversity
Asia-Pacific shows the most diverse plug usage globally. The matrix shows limited cross-compatibility between regional standards, requiring careful planning for multi-country travel.
Complex Patterns:
- • Type A/C mixture in East Asia
- • Type I isolation in Australia/NZ
- • Type G in former British territories
- • Type D legacy systems in India
🌍 African Socket Complexity
Africa shows complex colonial legacy patterns in the matrix. Different regions use incompatible standards based on historical influences, creating challenging compatibility scenarios.
Regional Splits:
- • British legacy: Type G systems
- • French legacy: Type C/E systems
- • South Africa: Unique Type M standard
- • Mixed systems in many countries
🌎 Americas Split
The Americas show a clear north-south split in the matrix. North America uses Type A/B exclusively, while South America has diverse standards with limited compatibility.
Continental Divide:
- • North: Type A/B homogeneity
- • Brazil: Type N transition
- • Argentina: Type I adoption
- • Rest: Mixed Type A/C systems
Complete Technical Specifications for All Plug Types
Types A-H Specifications
Type A - NEMA 1-15
Dimensions: Flat blades 6.35mm wide, 1.52mm thick
Spacing: 12.7mm center-to-center
Voltage: 100-127V
Current: 15A maximum
Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Philippines
Matrix Position: Row 1 - Limited international compatibility
Type B - NEMA 5-15
Dimensions: Same as Type A plus 4.8mm ground pin
Ground: Round grounding pin
Voltage: 100-127V
Current: 15A maximum
Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, parts of Central America
Matrix Position: Row 2 - Accepts Type A plugs
Type C - CEE 7/16 (Europlug)
Dimensions: 4mm round pins, 19mm spacing
Length: 19mm pin length
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 2.5A maximum
Countries: All of Europe except UK/Ireland, most of world
Matrix Position: Row 3 - Highest compatibility score
Type D - BS 546
Dimensions: 5mm round pins in triangular pattern
Spacing: 20.6mm between live/neutral
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 5A maximum
Countries: India, Nepal, Namibia, some parts of Africa
Matrix Position: Row 4 - Regional compatibility only
Types I-O Specifications
Type I - AS/NZS 3112
Dimensions: Angled flat pins at 30°
Pattern: V-shape with ground pin below
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 10A maximum
Countries: Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Papua New Guinea
Matrix Position: Row 9 - Unique angled design
Type J - SEV 1011
Dimensions: 4mm round pins with offset ground
Ground: Offset 4mm round ground pin
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 10A maximum
Countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, some parts of Brazil
Matrix Position: Row 10 - Swiss isolation pattern
Type L - CEI 23-16
Dimensions: 4mm round pins in line
Pattern: Three pins in straight line
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 10A or 16A versions
Countries: Italy, San Marino, parts of North Africa
Matrix Position: Row 12 - Accepts Type C
Type M - BS 546
Dimensions: 7mm round pins in triangular pattern
Spacing: 25.4mm between live/neutral
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 15A maximum
Countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho
Matrix Position: Row 13 - South African isolation
How to Use the Compatibility Matrix for Travel Planning
Step-by-Step Matrix Reading Guide
🔍 Finding Your Compatibility
- 1. Identify your device's plug type (check power adapter label)
- 2. Find your plug type in the left column (rows)
- 3. Find your destination's socket type across the top (columns)
- 4. Check the intersection cell for compatibility
- 5. Green = works, Yellow = partial, Red = needs adapter
💡 Advanced Matrix Tips
- • Use the highlight feature to see all compatible destinations
- • Switch between Physical Fit and Real World modes
- • Click cells for detailed compatibility explanations
- • Yellow compatibility often means loss of grounding
- • Consider voltage compatibility separately
✅ Best Compatibility Scenarios
Type C → Europe
Perfect for European travel - works in 95% of sockets
Type A → North America
Seamless compatibility across US, Canada, Mexico
Universal Adapter
Based on Type C foundation with other plug outputs
⚠️ Challenging Compatibility
Type G → Anywhere
British plugs need adapters for all international travel
Multi-Country Asia
Different standards across countries require multiple adapters
Africa Travel
Colonial legacy creates complex compatibility patterns
❌ Incompatibility Warnings
Type A → Type G
US plugs completely incompatible with UK sockets
Type I → Europe
Australian plugs don't fit any European sockets
Type M Isolation
South African plugs work nowhere else without adapters
Plug Compatibility Matrix: Global Statistics
🏆 Most Compatible Plugs
🔒 Most Restrictive Plugs
Understanding Plug Compatibility
✅ Compatible
The plug physically fits into the socket and can establish electrical contact safely.
⚠️ Partial
The plug may fit but without proper grounding, or with some compatibility issues.
❌ Incompatible
The plug does not fit in the socket due to different pin configurations or spacing.
💡 How to Use This Matrix
- • Rows represent plug types (what you're plugging in)
- • Columns represent socket types (what's in the wall)
- • Click any cell to see detailed compatibility information
- • Use filters to highlight specific plug or socket types
Plug Type Standards
Type A
North American (ungrounded)
Two flat parallel pins, 120V
Type B
North American (grounded)
Two flat pins + ground, 120V
Type C
Europlug
Two round pins, 220-240V
Type D
Indian (old)
Three round pins, large, 220V
Type E
French
Two round pins + ground hole, 220V
Type F
German/Schuko
Two round pins + side grounds, 220V
Type G
British
Three rectangular pins, 230V
Type H
Israeli
Three flat pins, 230V
Type I
Australian
Three flat pins (angled), 230V
Type J
Swiss
Three round pins, 230V
Type K
Danish
Three round pins, 230V
Type L
Italian
Three round pins (line), 230V
Type M
South African
Three round pins, large, 220V
Type N
Brazilian
Three round pins, 220V
Type O
Thai
Three round pins, 220V