plugsocket

A plug socket is a female electrical connector designed to receive a plug and supply electrical power. It is typically mounted in walls, furniture, or equipment and is paired with a corresponding plug. Sockets are rated for specific voltages and currents and may include protective features such as shutters or weatherproof enclosures.

Regional variation: The physical shape and pin configuration differ by country and region. Common domestic forms include Type A (two flat blades) and Type B (two flat blades plus ground) in North America and parts of Asia; Type C (two round pins) in many European and other countries; Type G (three rectangular pins) in the United Kingdom and Ireland; Type F Schuko (two round pins with grounding clips) in much of Europe; Type E/F hybrids in several countries; and other types such as Type D or M in India and Type L in Italy. Internationally, voltages and frequencies also vary, typically 100–120 V at 50/60 Hz or 220–240 V.

Standards and connectors: Domestic outlets are often defined by national standards (for example, NEMA configurations in the United States and Canada, IEC 60884 in some regions), while appliance cords use detachable connectors defined by IEC 60320 (such as C13/C14). Industrial or outdoor sockets use higher current ratings and standardized multipin connectors such as IEC 60309, which are color-coded by voltage and frequency.

Safety and usage: Modern sockets include grounding and polarity protection. Children’s outlets may include shutters to prevent access to live parts. Maintenance and installation should follow local electrical codes, and wiring should be performed only by qualified personnel. Damaged sockets should be replaced to maintain safety.