Electric Current Abroad 1

Abroad

lectric Current

1998 Edition

Reprinted 2002

U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Administration

February 2002
2 Electric Current Abroad

Contents

Introduction ...................................................... 3

Key to Terms ..................................................... 5

Type of Plug by Country................................... 7

Plugs in Commercial Use ............................... 10

Electric Current Characteristics Abroad ......... 13
Electric Current Abroad 3

Introduction

To assist U.S. manufacturers, exporters and individuals living or traveling abroad, this publication lists the characteristics of electric current available and the type of attachment plugs used in most countries. It is an update

of a similar handbook published in 1991. The tables indicate the type of

current (alternating or direct current), number of phases, frequency (hertz),

and voltage, as well as the stability of the frequency and the number of

wires to a commercial or residential installation. This information pertains

to domestic and commercial service only. It does not apply to special commercial installations involving relatively high voltage requirements or to

industrial installations.

For most countries listed here, two nominal voltages are given. The

lower voltages are used primarily for lighting and smaller appliances, while

the higher voltages are used primarily for air conditioners, heating, and

other large appliances. Travelers planning to use or ship appliances abroad

should acquaint themselves with the characteristics of the electric supply

available in the area in which the appliance is to be used. In some cases, a

transformer may be used to correct the voltage. However, if the appliance

requires exact timing or speed and if the frequency of the foreign electricity

supply differs from the one the appliance was designed for, it is advisable

to use an appliance designed for the foreign frequency since auxiliary equipment to change frequency is bulky and expensive. Some foreign hotels

have circuits providing approximately 120 volts which allow guests to use

electric shavers and other low-wattage U.S. appliances.

The information presented here was compiled over a period of months

from a large number of sources. Consequently, there is some possibility of

errors or omissions for which the Department of Commerce cannot assume

responsibility. In addition, this information should not be taken as final in

the case of industrial or highly specialized commercial installations. It would
4 Electric Current Abroad

be impossible for the Department to maintain complete data on every foreign industrial installation. For special equipment for commercial use or

heavy equipment for industrial use, the current characteristics for the area

of installation should be obtained from the end user.

The 1998 edition was prepared by the Trade Development unit in the

International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The

information was compiled by John J. Bodson, industry specialist in the

Office of Energy, Infrastructure, and Machinery. Editing, desktop publishing, and production were done by Rebecca Krafft, of the Trade Information

Division of the Office of Trade and Economic Analysis.

The cooperation of various government and private agencies in providing data is gratefully acknowledged. Special thanks go to the U.S. Foreign

and Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the

Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State.

Questions about the content of this publication should be directed to

the Energy Division in the Office of Basic Industries, (202) 482-4931.
Electric Current Abroad 5

Key to Terms

Type of current—a.c. indicates alternating current; d.c. indicates direct

current.

Frequency—Shown in number of hertz (cycles per second). Note that

even if voltages are similar, a 60-hertz U.S. clock or tape recorder will

not function properly on 50 hertz current.

Number of phases—1 and 3 are the conventional phases that may be

available.

Nominal voltage—The term nominal voltage is used to denote the

reported voltage in use in the majority of residential and commercial

establishments in the country or city. Direct current nominal voltages are

110/220 and 120/240. The lower voltage is always 1/2 of the higher

voltage. On a direct current installation, the lower voltage requires two

wires while the higher voltage requires three wires.

Alternating current is normally distributed either through 3 phase

wye (“star”) or delta (“triangle”), 4-wire secondary distribution systems.

In the wye or star distribution system the nominal voltage examples are

120/208, 127/220, 220/380, and 230/400. The higher voltage is 1.732

(the square root of 3) times the lower voltage. In a delta or triangle

system, 110/220 and 230/460 are examples of nominal voltages. The

higher voltage is always double the lower voltage. The higher voltage is

obtained by using 2 or 3 phase wires and the neutral wire while the lower

voltage is the voltage between the neutral wire and one phase wire. The

higher voltage may be single or 3 phase while the lower voltage is always

single phase and used primarily for lighting and for small appliances.

Type of attachment plug in use—Attachment plugs used throughout the

world come in various forms, dimensions and configurations too numerous to describe in this report. This report does, however, attempt to point
6 Electric Current Abroad

out the basic and most commonly used types of plugs by country. Adapters may be purchased to change from the American plug type to other

types.

Number of wires to the consumer—The number of wires which may be

used by the consumer is shown. Normally, a single phase, 220/380 volt

system or 127/220 system will have two wires if only the lower voltage is

available (one phase wire and the neutral). It will have three wires if both

the higher and lower voltages are available (two phase wires and the

neutral) and where three phase motors will be used, four wires will be

available for the higher voltage (the three phase wires and the neutral

wire).

Frequency stability—“Yes” indicates that the frequency is stable and

that service interruptions are rare.
Electric Current Abroad 7

Type of Plug by Country

Country Plug Type Country Plug Type

Afghanistan ....................................D

Albania ........................................... C

Algeria ........................................C, F

Angola ............................................ C

Argentina .................................... C, I

Australia .......................................... I

Austria ............................................ C

Bahamas .................................... A, B

Bahrain ...........................................G

Bangladesh ........................... A, C, D

Barbados ........................... A, B, F, H

Belarus ............................................ C

Belgium ................................ A, C, E

Belize .................................... A, B, H

Benin...............................................D

Bermuda .................................... A, B

Bolivia ....................................... A, C

Botswana .............................. C, D, H

Brazil .................................... A, B, C

Brunei .............................................G

Bulgaria .......................................... F

Burkina Faso .............................. B, E

Burma ....................................C, D, F

Burundi ...................................... C, E

Cameroon .................................. C, E

Canada ............................................ B

Canary Islands ........................... C, E

Cape Verde, Rep. of ....................C, F

Cayman Islands ......................... A, B

Central African Republic. .......... C, E

Chad................................................ E

Chile ...................................... C, F, L

China, Peoples Rep. of .... C, D, G, H

Colombia ................................... A, B

Congo, Dem. Rep of (form. Zaire) . E

Congo, Peoples Rep. of ............. C, E

Costa Rica .................................. A, B

Cyprus ............................................G

Czech Republic ............................... E

Denmark .................................... C, K

Djibouti, Rep. of ........................ C, E

Dominican Republic .......................A

Ecuador ............................ A, B, C, D

Egypt .............................................. C

El SalvadorA, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, L

England ................................. A, C, H

Equatorial Guinea ...................... C, E

Eritrea ............................................. C

Ethiopia........................................... C

Fiji.................................................... I

Finland ........................................C, F

France ............................................. E
8 Electric Current Abroad

Country Plug Type Country Plug Type

Lesotho ...........................................D

Liberia........................................ A, B

Luxembourg ................................... F

Macedonia ..................................C, F

Madagascar ................... C, D, E, J, K

Malawi ............................................G

Malaysia .........................................G

Mali, Rep. of .............................. C, E

Malta ...............................................G

Mauritania....................................... C

Mauritius.........................................G

Mexico ....................................... A, B

Monaco ............................. C, D, E, F

Morocco ..................................... C, E

Mozambique ..........................C, D, F

Namibia .......................................... C

Nepal.......................................... C, D

Netherlands ..................................... F

New Zealand ...................................H

Nicaragua........................................A

Niger ..................................... A, C, E

Nigeria .................................. C, D, H

Northern Ireland ................... A, C, H

Norway .......................................C, F

Oman ..............................................H

Pakistan................................. B, C, D

Palau .......................................... A, B

Panama ...................................A, B, I

Paraguay ......................................... C

Peru ............................................ A, C

Philippines ............................ A, B, C

Poland ........................................ C, E

Portugal ......................................C, F

Gabon ........................................ D, E

Gambia, The ...................................G

Germany, Fed. Rep. of.................... F

Ghana......................................... D, G

Gibraltar ..................................... C, G

Greece .........................................C, F

Greenland .................................. C, K

Grenada ..........................................G

Guatemala ..................... A, B, G, H, I

Guinea ................................... C, F, K

Guinea-Bissau ................................ C

Guyana ....................................... A, H

Haiti ...................................... A, B, H

Honduras ........................................A

Hong Kong .....................................H

Hungary ......................................C, F

Iceland ............................................ B

India ...................................... C, D, G

Indonesia ............................... C, E, F

Ireland .............................................G

Israel .......................................... C, H

Italy ................................................. L

Ivory Coast ................................ C, E

Jamaica ............................ A, B, C, D

Japan .......................................A, B, I

Jordan ............................... C, F, G, L

Kazakstan ............................. C, G, H

Kenya ..............................................G

Korea .............................................. C

Kuwait ....................................... C, G

Laos ..............................A, B, C, E, F

Lebanon ...................... A, B, C, D, G
Electric Current Abroad 9

Country Plug Type

Qatar .......................................... D, G

Romania......................................C, F

Russia ............................................. C

Rwanda ....................................... C, J

Saudi Arabia ......................... A, B, G

Scotland ................................ A, C, H

Senegal .............................C, D, E, K

Serbia-Montenegro ......................... F

Seychelles ......................................D,

Sierra Leone .............................. D, G

Singapore ................................... B, H

Slovak Republic.............................. E

Somalia ........................................... C

South Africa ....................................D

Spain ...........................................C, F

Sri Lanka ........................................D

Sudan ......................................... C, D

Suriname .....................................C, F

Swaziland .......................................D

Sweden .......................................C, F

Switzerland ............................. C, E, J

Syria................................................ C

Tajikistan .................................... C, I

Country Plug Type

Tahiti ...............................................A

Taiwan ....................................... A, B

Tanzania ..................................... D, G

Thailand ......... A, B, C, D, E, G, J, K

Togo ................................................ C

Trinidad and Tobago .................. A, B

Tunisia ....................................... C, E

Turkey .........................................C, F

Turkmenistan ..............................B, F

Uganda ............................................G

Ukraine ........................................... C

United Arab Emirates ........... C, D, G

Uruguay .............................. C, F, I, L

Uzbekistan .................................. C, I

Venezuela.............................. A, B, H

Wales .................................... A, C, H

Western Samoa ...............................H

Yemen, Rep. of ..................... A, D, G

Zambia .................................. C, D, G

Zimbabwe .................................. D, G
10 Electric Current Abroad

Plugs in Commercial Use

Type

A

Flat blade Flat blade

attachment plug attachment plug

Type

B

Flat blades with Flat blades with

round grounding pin ounding pin

Type

C

Round pin Round pin

attachment plug attachment plug

Type

D

Round pins Round pins

with ground
Electric Current Abroad 11

Type

E

Round pin plug and Round pin plug and

receptacle with male le with male

grounding pin ounding pin

Type

F

“Schuko” plug and plug and

receptacle with side le with side

grounding contacts ounding contacts

Type

G

Rectangular blade Rectangular blade

plug

Type

H

Oblique flat blades Oblique flat blades

with ground
12 Electric Current Abroad

Type

I

Oblique flat blade Oblique flat blade

with ground

Type

J

Round pins Round pins

with ground

Type

K

Round pins Round pins

with ground

Type

L

Round pins Round pins

with ground
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 13

Electric Current

 Characteristics Abroad

Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding co0nductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.

Afghanistan a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Albania a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Algeria a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Angola1, 2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Argentina a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

d.c. 220/440 2, 3 yes

Australia1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 3, 4 yes

Austria1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 3, 5 yes

Bahamas a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 yes

120/208

Bahrain1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

d.c. 60 1 110/115 3 yes

Bangladesh1, 2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/440 3, 4 no

Barbados1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 115/230 2, 3, 4 yes

115/200
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

14 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

Belarus a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Belgium1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Belize1, 3 a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3, 4 yes

220/440

Benin a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Bermuda1, 2, 3 a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 yes

120/208

Bolivia a.c. 50 1, 3 110/220 2, 4 yes

Botswana a.c. 50 1, 3 231/400 2, 4 yes

Brazil1

Alagoinhas a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Americana a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Anapolis a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Aracaju a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Aracatuba a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Araraquara a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Bage a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Baixo Guandu a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Barbacena a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Barra Mansa a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Barretos a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Bauru a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Belem a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Belo Horizonte a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Blumenau a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 yes

Boa Vista a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

(Rio Branco)

Botucatu a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Braganca a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 15

Brazilia, D.F. a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Cachoeira a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Cachoeira do a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Itapemirim

Campinas a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Campos a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 no

Caruaru a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Caxias do Sul a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Cel Fabriciano a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3 yes

Cidade Industrial a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

 (Betim)

Colatina a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Corumba a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Curitiba a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Feira de Santana a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Florianopolis a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Fortaleza a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Franca (Sao Paulo) a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Goiania a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Goias a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Governador a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Valadares

Ilheus a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Itabuana a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Itajai a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 yes

Jequie a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Joao Pessoa a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Joinville a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Juiz de Fora a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 yes

Jundiai a.c. 60 1, 3 220 2, 3 yes

Livramento a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Londrina a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Macapa a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3 yes

Maceio (Alagoas) a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Manaus a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3 yes

Brazil,1 continued

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

16 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

Brazil,1 continued

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

Marilia a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Mossoro a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Natal a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

(Rio Grando Norte)

Niteroi a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Nova Friburgo a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 yes

Olinda a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Ouro Preto a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Paranagua a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3 yes

Parnaiba a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 yes

Paulista a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Pelotas a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Petropolis a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Piracicaba a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Ponta Grossa a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3 yes

Porto Alegre a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Porto Velho a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3 yes

Recife a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Ribeirao Preto a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Rio Branco a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Rio de Janeiro a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Salvador a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Santo André a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3 yes

220/380

Santos a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Sao Bernardo a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 yes

do Campo

Sao Caetano do Sul a.c. 60 1, 3 115/230 2, 3 yes

Sao Luis a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3 yes

Sao Paulo a.c. 60 1, 3 115/230 2, 3 yes

Sorocaba a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Teresina a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3 yes

Uberaba a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Vitoria a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Volta Redonda a.c. 60 1, 3 125/216 2, 3, 4 yes
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 17

Brunei1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 yes

Bulgaria a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Burkina Faso a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Burma1, 2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 no

Burundi3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Cambodia a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 no

Cameroon a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Canada1 a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 3, 4 yes

Cape Verde2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 no

Cayman Islands1, 3

a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3 yes

Central African Republic2, 3

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Chad a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Chile a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

China, Peoples Republic of

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 no

Colombia a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3, 4 yes

150/260

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1, 2 (formerly Zaire)

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

18 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.

Congo, Republic of 1, 2, 3

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Costa Rica a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 yes

Cyprus1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 yes

Czech Republic a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Denmark a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Djibouti, Republic of

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Dominican Republic

a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3 yes

Ecuador1 a.c. 60 1, 3 120/208 2, 3, 4 yes

127/220

Egypt a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 no

El Salvador1 a.c. 60 1, 3 115/230 2, 3 yes

England (See United Kingdom)

Eritrea a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Ethiopia a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Fiji3 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 3, 4 yes

Finland a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4, 5 yes

France a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 19

Gabon1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Gambia, The1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Germany, Federal Republic of 1, 2, 3

a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Ghana a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 no

Gibraltar a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 yes

Great Britain (See United Kingdom)

Greece a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Greenland a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Grenada1, 2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 no

Guatemala a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 yes

Guinea a.c 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 no

Guinea-Bissau a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 no

Guyana1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 110/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Haiti a.c.60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3, 4 no

Honduras a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3 no

Hong Kong a.c. 50 1, 3 202/415 3, 4 yes

Hungary2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Iceland a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

20 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.

4. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 10%.

India3 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Indonesia1

Bandjarmasin a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

Bandung a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Bogor a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Cilacap a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Cirebon a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Jakarta a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Malang a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Medan a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Padang a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

Palembang a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Semarang a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Sukabumi a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Surabaya a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Surakarta a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Ujungpandang a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

Yogyakarta a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Ireland1, 2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Israel1, 2, 4 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Italy1, 2, 4

Ancona a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Bari a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Bologna a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Brindisi a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Cagliari a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Catania a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Como a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 21

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

4. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 10%.

Italy,1, 2, 4 continued

Cremona a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Florence a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Genoa a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

La Spezia a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Latina a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Leghorn a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Milan a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Naples a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Palermo a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Perugia a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Pescara and a.c 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Chieti 220/380

Pisa a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Ragusa a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Rome a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Sassari a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Siena a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Siracusa a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Taranto a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Trieste a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Turin a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Udine a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Venice a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Verona a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

22 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

Ivory Coast a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 3, 4 yes

Jamaica1, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 110/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Japan1 a.c. 50 1, 3 100/200 2, 3 yes

Jordan1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Kazakstan a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Kenya2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 no

Korea, Republic of 1, 2, 3

a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Kuwait3 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 yes

Laos a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Lebanon1

Aley a.c. 50 1, 3 110/190 2, 4 no

220/380

Beirut a.c. 50 1, 3 110/190 2, 4 no

220/380

Bhamdoun a.c. 50 1, 3 110/190 2, 4 no

220/380

Brummana a.c. 50 1, 3 110/190 2, 4 no

220/380

Chtaure a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Dhour el Choueir a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Sidon a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Sofar a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Tripoli a.c. 50 1, 3 110/190 2, 4 no

220/380

Tyre a.c. 50 1, 3 110/190 2, 4 no

220/380

Zahleh a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 23

Lesotho1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Liberia1 a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 no

Luxembourg1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4, yes

Macedonia a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Madagascar1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

220/380

Malawi3 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 3, 4 no

Malaysia1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 3 yes

Mali, Republic of 1, 2

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 3, 4 no

Malta1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 yes

Mauritania1, 2, 5 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 no

Mauritius1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Mexico1 a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Monaco a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Morocco1, 2

Agadir a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Asilah a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Beni-Mellal a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Berrechid a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.

5. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 20 to 30%.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

24 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

Chaouen a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Casablanca a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

El-Jadida a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

El-Hoceima a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Fes a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Ksar-Es-Souk a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Kasba-Tadla a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Khemisset a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Khenifra a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Khouribga a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Ksar-El-Kebir a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Larache a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Mohammedia a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Marrakech a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Meknes a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Midelt a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Nador a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Ouarzazete a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Oued-Zem a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Ouezzane a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Rabat a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Safi a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Sefrou a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Sidi Kacem a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Sidi Slimane a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Souk-El-Arba a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Gharb 220/380

Settat a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Taza a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Taroudant a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Tiznit a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Tangier a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Tetouan a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Youssoufia a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Morocco,1, 2 continued
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 25

Mozambique2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Namibia1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Nepal1 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Netherlands1 a.c. 50 1,3 220/380 2, 4 yes

New Zealand1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Nicaragua a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 yes

Niger a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Nigeria1 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Northern Ireland (See United Kingdom)

Norway a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Oman2 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 yes

Pakistan1 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 3 no

Palau a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 4 no

Panama a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 4 yes

Paraguay a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Peru a.c. 60 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Philippines1, 2 a.c. 60 1, 3 125/216 2, 4 yes

Poland a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 3, 4 yes

Portugal1 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

26 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

Qatar a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 3, 4 yes

Romania3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Russia a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Rwanda a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Saudi Arabia3 a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

Scotland (See United Kingdom)

Senegal1, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 no

Serbia-Montenegro

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 3, 4, 5 yes

Seychelles a.c. 50 1, 3 240/450 2, 4 yes

Sierra Leone a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 no

Singapore1 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3 yes

Slovak Republic1

a.c 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Somalia

Berbera a.c. 50 1, 3 230 2, 3 yes

Brava a.c. 50 1, 3 220/440 2, 4 yes

Chisimaio a.c. 50 1, 3 220 2, 3 no

Hargeisa a.c. 50 1, 3 220 2, 3 yes

Merca a.c. 50 1, 3 110/220 2, 4 no

Mogadishu a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

South Africa1, 2, 3

Alberton a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 27

Beaufort West a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Benoni a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Bethlehem a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Bloemfontein a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Boksburg a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Brakpan a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Caledon a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Cape Town a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Carltonville a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Cradock a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 n.a.

De Aar a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Durban a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

East London a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Germiston a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Grahamstad a.c. 50 1, 3 250/430 2, 4 yes

Johannesburg a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

d.c. 230/460 2, 3

Kimberley a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

King Williams a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

250/433

Klerksdorp a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Kroonstad a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Krugersdorp a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Malmesbury a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Ladysmith, N. a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Oudtshoorn a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Paarl a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Parys a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Pietermaritzburg a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Port Elizabeth a.c. 50 1, 3 250/433 2, 4 yes

Pretoria a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 3, 4 yes

Queenstown a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Robertson a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Roodepoort a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.

South Africa,1, 2, 3 continued
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

28 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.

Rustenburg a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Senekal a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Somerset West a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Springs a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

230/400

Stellenbosch a.c. 50 3 220/380 4 yes

Tulbagh a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Uitenhage a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Umtata a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Umkomaas a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Upington a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Vereeniging a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Virginia a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Vryheid a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Walvis Bay a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Welkom a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Wellington a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Worcester a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Spain1 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Sri Lanka1, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Sudan1 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 yes

Suriname a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Swaziland a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 4 yes

Sweden1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4, 5 yes

Switzerland1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Syria a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 no

South Africa,1, 2, 3 continued
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

Current Characteristics Electric Current Abroad 29

Tahiti a.c. 60 1, 3 127/220 2, 3, 4 no

Taiwan1 a.c. 60 1, 3 110/220 2, 3, 4 yes

Tajikistan a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 no

Tanzania1, 2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Thailand3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Togo a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 yes

220/380

Trinidad and Tobago3

a.c. 60 1, 3 115/230 2, 3, 4 yes

230/400

Tunisia1, 2, 3 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

220/380

Turkey1 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

Turkmenistan a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3 yes

Uganda1, 2 a.c. 50 1, 3 240/415 2, 4 no

Ukraine1 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

United Arab Emirates

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

United Kingdom1, 2, 3

England a.c. 50 1 230/415 2, 4 yes

Northern Ireland a.c. 50 1, 3 230/415 2, 4 yes

Scotland a.c. 50 1, 3 230/415 2, 4 yes

Wales a.c. 50 1, 3 230/415 2, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.
Type and Frequency

Country frequency Number Nominal Number stable enough

or city of of phases voltage of wires for electric

current clocks?

30 Electric Current Abroad Current Characteristics

Uruguay2, 3, 6 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Uzbekistan a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Venezuela a.c. 60 1, 3 120/240 2, 3, 4 yes

Vietnam

Ban Me Thuot (Sic) a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Can Tho a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

220/380

Dalat a.c. 50 1, 3 120/208 2, 4 no

220/380

Da Nang a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

Hanoi a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

220/380

Hue a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

Khanh Hung a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

(Soc Trang)

Nha Trang a.c. 50 1, 3 127/220 2, 4 no

Saigon a.c. 50 1, 3 120/208 2, 4 no

220/380

Western Samoa a.c. 50 1, 3 230/400 2, 3, 4 yes

Wales (See United Kingdom)

Yemen, Republic of

a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 no

Zambia1, 2, 4 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 4 yes

Zimbabwe4 a.c. 50 1, 3 220/380 2, 3, 4 yes

1. The neutral wire of the secondary distribution system is grounded.

2. A grounding conductor is required in the electrical cord attached to appliances.

3. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4 to 9%.

4. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 10%.

6. Voltage tolerance is plus or minus 4.5 to 20.5%.