The international standard designed by the IEC. Features three round pins in a flattened triangle. Adopted as official standard in Brazil and South Africa.
Direct Specification Summary
Type N is an earthed (grounded) electrical plug standard rated for 10A / 20A maximum amperage and typical voltages of 100–240V. Sockets are engineered with Three round pins (4.0 mm diam for 10A; 4.5 mm diam for 20A); earth pin offset by 3 mm.
Standard Property
Technical Specification
Standard Designation
Type N (IEC 60906-1)
Grounding / Earthing
Yes (Earthed protective pin or side clips)
Pin Count & Geometry
3 Pins — Three round pins (4.0 mm diam for 10A; 4.5 mm diam for 20A); earth pin offset by 3 mm
Maximum Current Rating
10A / 20A
Nominal Voltage Range
100–240V
Grounding Status
Grounded (Earthed)
3 Pins • 10A / 20A Maximum
Typical Voltage Range
100–240V
Physical: Three round pins (4.0 mm diam for 10A; 4.5 mm diam for 20A); earth pin offset by 3 mm
Countries & Territories Using Type N
Type N is officially deployed in the national grid or hotel accommodations of the following countries:
The mechanical architecture of Type N is defined by Three round pins (4.0 mm diam for 10A; 4.5 mm diam for 20A); earth pin offset by 3 mm. Sockets engineered for this standard operate at nominal capacities up to 10A / 20A.
When traveling with equipment utilizing this plug, verify that the foreign receptacle is compatible with its physical grounding structure. Using 3-to-2 prong grounding cheater adapters can remove protective earth bonding, exposing metallic device housings to live chassis fault risks.