What Power Plug

IEC 60906-1

Type N plug and socket

The newer international standard, adopted by Brazil. Used in 3 countries.

Type N socket face
Pins
2 round pins plus earth, hexagonal recess
Rating
16 A / 250 V
Earth
Earthed
Standard
IEC 60906-1

What Type N looks like in use

Type N is the only plug designed from the outset as an international standard, published by the IEC in 1986. It has largely failed to spread, but Brazil made it mandatory in 2010 and South Africa adopted it as an additional standard.

It is compact, earthed and accepts Europlugs, which makes it one of the better designs on paper — just not one many countries ever adopted.

Watch out: Brazilian N sockets accept Type C and Type N plugs. Older Brazilian Type A/B sockets are still common in older buildings.

Buying an adapter. Brazilian adapters are sold as Type N or “Brazil”. Universal adapters usually include the N pins now, but older kits do not — check before you fly.

Countries using Type N

3 countries in total
Brazil 127 V / 60 Hz Paraguay 220 V / 50 Hz South Africa 230 V / 50 Hz

Other plug types

Type A socket Type A Type B socket Type B Type C socket Type C Type D socket Type D Type E socket Type E Type F socket Type F Type G socket Type G Type H socket Type H Type I socket Type I Type J socket Type J Type K socket Type K Type L socket Type L Type M socket Type M Type O socket Type O

Check your own devices

Will my plug work?

Compare where you are from with where you are going, including Type N destinations.

Pick two countries to see whether you need an adapter.