Plug type C (Euro plug) – Reference: YP-21A

Euro plug · two-pin, un-earthed · for protection class II · Standard: CEE 7/16 / EN 50075

The Type C Euro plug is the most common 2-pole mains plug for insulation-protected devices in Europe. It is typically found in power supplies, small electrical appliances, A/V equipment and consumer electronics. In the B2B sector, it is particularly relevant when devices without a protective earth conductor are to be supplied in a cost-effective and clearly specified manner.

• 2-pole (L, N), without protective earth
• Typically combined with IEC 60320 C7 on the device side
• Well suited for standardised parts lists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) and the EU

CEE 7/17 (contour or profile plug) – Reference: YP-24 / YP-24L

CEE 7/17 · two-pole, un-earthed · robust two-pole solution for appliances without a protective earth

The CEE 7/17 contour or profile plug is a robust 2-pole design for devices without a protective conductor. It is recommended wherever a more robust design than the Euro plug is required, such as for technical equipment, office peripherals, lighting or specific installations.

• 2-pole without PE for Class II appliances
• Straight or angled – to suit the installation situation
• Neat solution for specific EU installations

CEE 7/7 (hybrid type E+F) – Reference: YP-22 / YP-23

CEE 7/7 · three-pin with protective earth · Standard for Class I equipment across much of Europe

CEE 7/7 is the standard mains plug for earthed appliances in Europe. It is frequently used in IT infrastructure, industry, measurement and testing technology, and in professional installations. For rollouts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) and the EU, it is in many cases the standard basis for specified power cables.

• 3-pin (L, N, PE) for Protection Class I
• Common combinations with IEC C13, C15 or C19
• Suitable for permanent and standardised installations

Schuko connector – Reference: YC-23

Schuko connector · EARTH contact system · typically used in extension leads, adaptors and power strips

The Schuko connector is the standard counterpart in extension leads and supply cables. It is frequently used in workshops, industrial settings and IT environments, for example in temporary installations, service operations or as part of adapter solutions.

• Protective earth via side contact surfaces
• Practical for servicing and temporary installations

Type A (NEMA 1-15P) – Reference: YP-11

NEMA 1-15P · two-pin, ungrounded · 15A / 125V · for devices without a protective earth

Type A is the classic 2-pin plug for the USA and Canada. It is typically used for devices without a protective earth conductor, such as power supplies, office and IT peripherals, or smaller devices. For projects, a clear specification comprising plug, AWG cable and IEC device side is recommended.

• 2-pole (L, N), without PE
• typical for insulated appliances and power supplies
• For series projects, clearly define the plug, AWG and IEC side

Type B (NEMA 5-15P / JIS C 8303) – Reference: YP-12

NEMA 5-15P / JIS C 8303 · three-pin with PE · 15A / 125V · for Class I devices

This version is suitable for applications with a protective conductor. It may be appropriate in international bills of materials if the target market, the electrical design and the intended installation are clearly defined.

• 3-pole (L, N, PE) for Protection Class I
• suitable for defined North American or Japanese projects
• Specify IEC appliance side and cable design at an early stage

2-pole (JIS C 8303) – Reference: YP-13

JIS C 8303 · two-pole, ungrounded · 15A / 125V · for protection class II

This 2-pole JIS version is intended for insulation-protected appliances without a protective earth conductor. It is particularly suitable for power supplies, smaller appliances and series projects where a clear distinction between versions with and without PE is important.

• 2-pole (L, N), without PE
• typically used for equipment with protective insulation and power supplies
• For projects, clearly define protection class and IEC side

Italy: Type L – Reference: YP-45

Type L · 3-pin · typical plug type for Italy

Type L is the classic mains plug for Italy. In export and project business, a fixed country-specific cable is usually the cleaner solution, as the plug type, cable and device side can be clearly defined.

• In practice, combination sockets are sometimes used
• For permanent installations, prefer country-specific cables over adapters

Denmark: Type K – Reference: YP-26

Type K · three-pin · relevant for deliveries and installations in Denmark

For deliveries to Denmark, Type K is particularly relevant for equipment with a protective conductor. Clear standardisation of the product, length and IEC equipment side helps to reduce sources of error in rollouts.

• Ensure PE connection for protection class I
• Uniform parts lists reduce queries and support

Switzerland: Type J – Reference: YP-46

Type J · Switzerland · typical plug for earthed appliances

In Switzerland, Type J is the standard plug for Class I devices. It is important to ensure a clear distinction between devices with protective insulation and applications with a protective conductor – particularly in IT, office and project-based work.

• Type C may be suitable for some 2-pin devices
• Type J is required for Protection Class I
• Typical combinations in IT and office environments: Type J with IEC C13 or C19

UK: Type G with fuse – Reference: YP-61A

Type G · Standard: BS 1363 · Plug with fuse · relevant for the UK and Northern Ireland

The British Type G plug is particularly important for deliveries to the UK and Northern Ireland. For series projects, cable design, cable length and intended use should be considered together to ensure that the connection solution is suitable for the actual application.

• For permanent installations, a fixed UK country cable is usually more practical than an adapter
• For servicing or temporary use, an adapter may be practical

Israel: Type H – Reference: YP-48

Type H · Israel · relevant for country-specific connection solutions

Type H is used in Israel. For professional installations, a clearly specified country-specific cable is often more robust than universal adapters, particularly in IT and industrial environments.

• For series and OEM devices: standardise target market, length and IEC side
• For servicing, an adapter may be a sensible interim solution

South Africa: Type M – Reference: YP-80

Type M · robust 3-pin design · relevant for projects in South Africa

Type M is a robust 3-pin design that is frequently used in South Africa. In the export business, a fixed country-specific cable is often the safer solution because the current rating, cable and IEC device side can be clearly defined.

• Suitable for project-specific applications with higher power consumption
• Check local installation requirements in advance for projects

India: Type D – Reference: YP-81

Type D · commonly used for lower load ranges · relevant for projects and deliveries to India

In India, Type D and Type M are used in parallel. For companies with sites, service operations or deliveries to India, a clear specification is particularly important: plug type, power requirements, cable and the appropriate IEC device side should be clearly defined in advance.

• Type D is frequently used for lower currents
• Clear parts lists reduce queries in series production and projects

Type D or Type M – what matters?

The main factors influencing the choice are plug type, current requirements, target installation, IEC device side and cable length. Type D is often used for lower loads, whilst Type M is more commonly used for higher load ranges.

• For permanent installations, a fixed country-specific cable is usually the better solution
• For servicing and temporary use, an adapter may be useful