Common power connector types
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Common power connector types
A power connector is an electrical device and device used to connect an electrically operated device to an AC power source. The most common power connectors are plugs and sockets. Male connectors (plugs) are those that can be inserted into a slot, a female connector (socket). The specifications, shape, voltage and current ratings of connectors in different countries are different. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an entity that publishes connector standards for member countries, which ensures that connectors from different countries can be used interchangeably. Using a power connector requires a lot of knowledge about its specifications to avoid power failures and electrical related accidents. There are other factors to consider when choosing a connector, such as their security and performance. Single-phase electrical connectors typically contain two or three pins, one for the live wire, one for the neutral wire, and one for the protective ground wire. Although some connectors do not include a grounding pin, we don't even think we know that we should try to use connectors with grounding pins. This is because the grounding pin protects the user from electric shock. The most common connectors are as follows:
1. Argentina IRAM 2073 and 2071
IRAM is an acronym for the Instituto Argentine de Normalizacion y Certificacion. This is a plug that is classified as a type of connector and is the first power connector that was invented and widely used in Argentina. It is subdivided into two subclasses, IRAM2073 and IRAM2071. The IRAM2073 has three pins (ground pin, live pin and neutral pin) that are typically rated at 10 amps or 20 amps and rated at 250 volts (AC). The IRAM2071 is a two-stage socket for use with the IRAM2073 plug. It is similar to the Chinese and Australian sockets, but has a subtle difference from the Australian sockets, that is, their FireWire and Neutral levels are reversed. Other countries such as Brazil also use IRAM connectors.
2. AS/NZS 3112
These connectors are manufactured to Australian and New Zealand standards. They are widely used in many countries around the world, such as Australia, Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. AS/NZS 3112 is classified as a type of connector in accordance with the Power Connector Classification Manual. This type of connector has three pins that are inverted V-shaped, and the ground pins are usually longer than the other two pins. AS/NZS sockets only accept plugs with the same or slightly lower rated current and voltage. These connectors are rated at 10 amps or 15 amps and rated at 240 volts.
3. NBR 14136
These are Brazilian standard connectors that are divided into N types of connectors. The NBR14136 is subdivided into two categories based on its rated current value (10 amps and 20 amps) and the diameter of the pins (4.0 mm and 4.8 mm). The different diameters of the pins make it easy to distinguish between the two different connectors. Although these connectors have three pins, most residential houses do not have a grounded outlet, so ground pin suspension is a common practice.
4. BS 546
These connectors are also known as class D connectors. The BS546 plug contains three pins in the shape of a triangle with the ground pin at the top and a slightly longer length. They are British standard connectors and are used in 56 countries around the world, including India and South Africa, making them the most attractive connectors. They have several different rated currents, 2 amps, 5 amps, 15 amps and 30 amps, with a maximum voltage of 250 volts.
5. BS 1363
These are British standard connectors that are classified as Class G. They contain three pins in the shape of an isosceles triangle. Same as BS546 connector. They are widely used in more than 50 countries around the world, including Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. The BS1363 plugs are particularly popular because they contain a fuse that provides additional protection for the appliance.
6. CEE 7/1 and 7/2
CEE7/1 refers to a plug without a grounding pin, while CEE7/2 refers to a socket that has no grounding protection. These connectors are manufactured in accordance with the International Electrotechnical Products Qualification Testing and Certification Organization (IECEE) standards. The CEE7 plug is round and has a diameter of 19 mm. CEE7 plugs and sockets have been abandoned in most countries because they do not have ground protection.
7. schuko
The connectors are manufactured to German standards and in Germany they are often referred to as Schuko connectors. The CEE7/3 connector has a unique feature that it has a circular groove with two circular poles in the groove. This feature ensures that the plug can be tightly inserted into the socket to form a perfect electrical connection. In addition to their use in Germany, their use in Scandinavian countries is also common.
8. French connector
These are French-style power connectors. Like the CEE7/3 socket, the CEE7/5 socket also has a circular recess, but there is a subtle difference between them, that is, the CEE7/5 has a protruding ground pin. This makes the CEE7/5 connector safer and more attractive than the former. Other CEE power connectors include CEE7/7, CEE7/16 and CEE7/16 ungrounded plugs.
9. K type connector
These are Danish standard plugs. They contain three equally spaced pins in an equilateral triangle shape. These connectors are popular because they have a cover that prevents children from touching. Class K plugs are commonly used in companies and businesses and are rarely used in residential applications.
10. L type connector
These are Italian-style power connectors (plugs and sockets). They are rated for 10 amps or 16 amps. This is because in Italy, the current is supplied by two separate separate connections. One of the connections is for lighting purposes and the other is for other uses.
11. China Connector
These are CPC s-ccc plugs with three cables, rated at 10 amps and rated at 250 volts. In most hotels, this composite socket that is compatible with NEMA plugs and European standard plugs is popular. The CPC s-ccc plug is also known as the Type I connector.
12. NEMA connector
These connectors are manufactured in accordance with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards. They are mainly used in North America, Central America and parts of South America. The pin layout and current rating are different.
Different power connectors are used in different countries. It is important to understand the specifications and pin layout of the different power connectors to help prevent unintentional attachment of different standard plugs and sockets to cause accidental damage.


