International Power Cord Types: A Guide to Plugs, Connectors and Global Standards

International power cords vary by market, but a complete cord set requires matching the local socket, appliance inlet, electrical rating, and grounding design. For exporters, OEMs, and equipment manufacturers, understanding these components prevents compatibility issues and ensures safety.

What Makes Up an International Power Cord?

A power cord consists of three matching parts:

For example, an appliance sold in the United States may use a North American wall plug, while the same appliance sold in Germany may require a Schuko plug. If both versions use the same appliance inlet, the connector at the equipment end may remain unchanged while the wall plug changes.

This is why international power cords are often specified as a complete combination rather than as a plug type alone.

International Wall Plug Types by Region

Wall plugs differ because countries and regions developed their own outlet systems, electrical infrastructure, and safety practices. Plug shape, pin arrangement, grounding method, and rated values may vary even where products appear similar.

North America: Type A and Type B

Type A and Type B plugs are widely used in the United States, Canada, and several other markets.

• Type A: Usually has two flat parallel pins and does not include a grounding pin. It is commonly described as a two-prong plug and is used on equipment designed without a protective earth connection.

• Type B: Typically has two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin. In North American product specifications, a common grounded configuration is NEMA 5-15P, generally used for 125V, 15A applications.

Europe: Type C, Type E and Type F

Europe does not use a single universal plug. Several plug and socket systems are used across European countries, so buyers should confirm the exact destination market before selecting a European power cord.

• Type C (Europlug): Uses two round pins and is generally non-grounded.

• Type E: Commonly associated with French-style socket systems and uses an earthing pin arrangement.

• Type F (Schuko): Uses side earthing contacts.

• CEE 7/7: A grounded plug design intended to work with both Type E and Type F socket arrangements.

Type E and Type F use different grounding methods. Type E typically connects through an earthing pin in the socket, while Type F uses side contacts. CEE 7/7 combines features that allow compatibility with both systems.

United Kingdom and Ireland: Type G

Type G plugs are commonly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some other markets using British-style socket systems. They usually feature three rectangular pins and a grounding structure.

A UK power cord is visually easy to identify because the plug is larger than many European plug styles. Many Type G plugs also include a fuse matched to the specific appliance and cord set design.

Australia, New Zealand and China: Type I

Type I plugs are used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and some additional markets. Their most recognizable feature is the pair of angled flat pins.

A non-grounded Type I configuration generally has two angled pins, while a grounded version includes an additional earth pin. These are commonly available in configurations such as 10A and 15A.

Other Regional Plug Types

Other international power cord types may be required for specific export destinations. The following table provides a general overview of several common regional systems.

Common IEC Appliance Connector Types

The wall plug determines whether a power cord fits the local outlet. The connector at the other end determines whether it fits the appliance.

Many detachable power cords use connectors defined within the IEC 60320 system, identified by a "C" number. The cable-end connector and appliance inlet are designed as matching pairs, such as C7/C8 or C13/C14.

SAA IEC C13 to C14 Power Cord

2-Prong and 3-Prong Power Cords

Two-prong and three-prong power cords describe whether a cord includes a protective grounding path, acting as a separate classification from country plug types and IEC connector types.

2-Prong Power Cords

A two-prong power cord does not include a protective earth connection. It is used for appliances designed without grounding, including double-insulated small appliances, lamps, and consumer electronics.

Configurations include:

• Type A plugs in North American markets

• Type C Europlug configurations in European applications

• Two-pin Type I configurations in Australia, New Zealand, or China

• C7 figure-8 connectors at the appliance end

UL Approved 2-Pin Power Cord with C7 Connector

3-Prong Power Cords

A three-prong or grounded power cord includes a protective earth connection, utilized when appliance designs require grounding for electrical safety.

Common grounded examples include:

• Type B or NEMA 5-15P plugs in North America

• Schuko and CEE 7/7 plugs in European markets

• Grounded Type I plugs in Australia and New Zealand

• C13 and C19 IEC connector configurations

The power cord must match the appliance' s original grounding design. A grounded appliance should not be supplied with an ungrounded replacement cord, and the ground pin should never be removed or bypassed.

Heavy Duty SAA 3-Prong Power Cord

How to Choose an International Power Cord

Choosing an international power cord starts with the destination market. A complete cord set must also match the appliance connector, grounding requirement, electrical load, cable construction, and applicable compliance needs.

Use the following checklist when comparing power cord options:

International power cord types can look similar at first glance, but small differences in plug design, grounding, connectors, ratings, and approvals affect product compatibility. Confirming complete specifications before production allows OEMs and importers to select a suitable solution for each export market.

About A-Line Cable

A-Line Cable manufactures power cords and related cable solutions for global OEM and export markets.

• Product range: Power cords, extension cords, electrical wires, wire harnesses, plug inserts, and custom cable assemblies.

• International options: Country-specific cord configurations for North America, Europe, Australia, and other export destinations.

• Customization: Wall plug types, IEC connectors, cable length, conductor size, jacket material, color, packaging, and private-label requirements.

• Quality and compliance: ISO 9001:2015 certified, with many products available with relevant UL, VDE, SAA, CCC, RCM, TÜV, CE, RoHS, and REACH compliance support, subject to the final product specification and destination market.

Explore A-Line Cable's power cord range or contact our team with your target market and required cord configuration.