IEC 60309 for CEE plugs and sockets
The IEC 60309 standard regulates the international standards for plugs, connectors, and receptacles used in industrial and commercial applications. This standard ensures that plugs and sockets are safe, uniform, and compatible worldwide. It covers various types of devices designed specifically for different voltage and current ranges.
Types of plugs and sockets
While IEC 60309 sets an internationally defined standard for industrial plugs and sockets devices, 14 different plug types (Type A to Type N) are used globally. Which socket and plug types are used in which countries? We have compiled everything you need to know here:
Europe
- Germany: Mainly uses Types D, F, H, and N for industrial applications. Type F (four-pole, three-phase, with grounding) is especially common
- France: Frequently uses Types D, F, and H. Type H (five-pole, three-phase, with neutral and grounding) is prevalent in industrial applications.
- United Kingdom: Types F, H, and N are common, with Type F being widely used for industrial purposes.
- Italy: Primarily uses Types D, F, and H, focusing on Type H for high-power applications.
North America
- USA: Uses plugs compliant with NEMA standards, but IEC 60309 Types like F and H are used in specialized applications.
- Canada: Similar to the USA, primarily follows NEMA standards, but IEC 60309 Types are employed in certain industrial settings.
South America
- Brazil: Uses a combination of national standards and IEC 60309 Types, with Types F and H being common in industrial applications.
- Argentina: Primarily uses IEC 60309 Types D, F, and H for industrial applications, with growing use of Type H.
Asia
- China: A mix of national standards and IEC 60309 Types is used. Types F and H are often found in industrial applications.
- Japan: Mainly follows national standards, but IEC 60309 Types like D and F are used in specific industrial applications.
- India: Uses Types D, F, and H for industrial applications, with increasing focus on Type H for modern installations.
Australia and New Zealand
- Australia: Frequently uses Types D, F, and H, with a strong emphasis on Type H for high safety and performance requirements.
- New Zealand: Similar to Australia, Types D, F, and H are prevalent.
Africa
- South Africa: Primarily uses Types D, F, and H in industrial settings. Type H is favored for high-performance applications.
- Nigeria: Combines national standards and IEC 60309 Types, with Types F and H found in larger industrial facilities.
Differences between the variants
| Type | Pole number | Phases | Grounding | Neutral conductor | Comments |
| A | 2 | 1 | No | No | Used for special applications, no grounding required |
| B | 2 | 1 | Yes | No | Often used for simple industrial machines |
| C | 3 | 1 | No | No | Rarely used, for special applications |
| D | 3 | 1 | Yes | No | Standard for many industrial applications |
| E | 4 | 3 | No | No | Used in several specific industrial areas |
| F | 4 | 3 | Yes | No | Often used for high-powered machines |
| G | 5 | 3 | No | Yes | Rarely used, for special applications |
| H | 5 | 3 | Yes | Yes | Standard for many high-power applications |
| I | 2 | 1 | No | No | High amperage, special applications like welding machines |
| J | 2 | 1 | Yes | No | High amperage, used in heavy industry |
| K | 3 | 1 | No | Yes | Special applications |
| L | 3 | 1 | Yes | Yes | Often used in specific industrial areas |
| M | 4 | 3 | Yes | No | Standard in high-power industries |
| N | 5 | 3 | Yes | Yes | Highest safety and performance requirements |
