How many electric plugs do you use to connect electrical appliances in your home on a given day? There are high chances you might have more than one type, but you have never paid attention. But do you need to know the different types of electrical Plugs? Well, some appliances are specially designed to only work on a specific type of plug. 

A mismatch can also lead to electric shock and high energy usage. We have prepared a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the different types of electric plugs. It will help you avoid damaging your appliances or electrifying yourself. 

Let's delve in!

How Many Types of Electrical Plugs Are There?

Depending on your country of origin, there are more than a dozen types of electrical plugs. For instance, you are likely to find at least 15 different types of electrical plugs in the United States. They are categorized according to the number of prongs, the shape, or the type of current it delivers. 

Type A, B, C, and G are the most common plugs. Type A plugs have two vertical prongs and are only compatible with two prong sockets. Type B, on the other hand, has three prongs.

Type C plugs are primarily found in Asia and Europe. They have two round prongs and can support quite a wide range of appliances. Type G plugs are found in Singapore and the U.K. Its single looks are three rectangular pins. Note that there is also type D, also known as the Indian three-prolonged plug that is sometimes used in the U.S. 

Type of Electrical Plugs in the U.S

There are mainly two types of electrical plugs in the U.S. You can choose to use standard plugs or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) plugs.

Standard Plugs

Standard plugs, also known as duplex plugs, are the most common type of electrical plugs in the U.S. They have two vertical slots and a rounded or U-shaped grounding hole. They are typically used for appliances and electronics that don't require special protection.

GFCI Plugs

GFCI plugs, on the other hand, are designed to protect people from electrical shocks. They have two vertical slots and a grounding hole with a test and reset button. GFCI plugs are typically used in areas where there is a higher risk of electrical shock, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.

They can be identified by the "test" and "reset" buttons on the face of the plug. To test a GFCI plug, simply press the "test" button. This should cause the power to be disconnected. To restore power, press the "reset" button.

What Other Types of Electrical Plugs Are There?

In addition to standard and GFCI plugs, other types of plugs are used for specific purposes, such as USB plugs for charging devices, twist-lock plugs for high-power equipment, and tamper-resistant plugs for child safety.

Tamper-Resistant Plugs

Tamper-resistant plugs are specially designed to provide additional safety to young children by preventing them from inserting objects into the slots of the plug. They look very similar to standard electrical plugs, but they have an internal mechanism that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into the plug slots.

They have spring-loaded shutters that cover the slots in the outlet. When a plug is inserted in a slot, the shutters are pushed aside, allowing the electricity to flow. However, when no plug is inserted, the shutters close automatically, preventing children from inserting objects into the outlet.

USB Plugs

USB plugs are designed to be small, versatile, and easy to use, and they are commonly found on computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. They can be Type A, B, C, micro, or mini-USB.

Weather-Resistant Plugs

Also known as WR plugs, weather-resistant Plugs are a type of electrical plugs that are designed to withstand exposure to moisture, rain, and snow. They are commonly used in outdoor areas such as decks, patios, and garages where they are likely exposed to weather elements.

Final Thoughts

Without electric plugs, it would be difficult to safely and efficiently use electrical power devices, and there would be a greater risk of electrical accidents and hazards. Now that you know the different types of electric plugs, you will know what to connect in which plug or what to tell your technician when you need them fixed. 

At Starelo, our aim is to provide our clients with high-quality and cost-effective extension cord plugs and connectors. Contact us for inquiries about our products, and let us solve all your electrical problems.