Mains power systems

:"This article includes a list of countries and territories, with the plugs, voltages and frequencies they use for providing electrical power to small appliances and some major appliances. For definitions of terms and further information on each plug, see the article AC power plugs and sockets. For a discussion of the different voltages and frequencies used and some of the history of the different power systems see Mains electricity."

Wall sockets

The lettering system used here is from a U.S. government document [http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/Publications/pdf/current2002FINAL.pdf Electric current abroad] ] , which defines the letter names and gives a (not always correct) list of what plug types are used where. Although useful for quick reference, the document is ambiguous in some areas. A plug and socket that are classified here under the same letter will usually mate, but there is no guarantee of this. A more up-to-date and authoritative reference on plugs and sockets is IEC Technical Report 60083 [IEC/TR 60083: Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in member countries of IEC. International Electrotechnical Commission, May 2004. This 359-page technical report describes all national standards for domestic plugs and sockets. Its 1963 predecessor, CEE Publication 7, covered only the plugs and sockets of continental Europe.] .

Voltage ranges

Distinction should be made between the voltage at the point of supply (nominal system voltage) and the voltage rating of the equipment (utilization voltage). Typically the utilization voltage is 3 to 5% lower than the nominal system voltage; for example, a nominal 208 V supply system will be connected to motors with "200 V" on their nameplates. This allows for the voltage drop between equipment and supply. Voltages in this article are the nominal supply voltages and equipment used on these systems will carry slightly lower nameplate voltages.

Table of mains voltages and frequencies

References

ee also

*Alternating current
*Delta-Wye transformer
*Mains power plug, AC power plug
*Electricity
*Electrical wiring
*Heavy-duty power plugs
*List of current systems for electric rail traction
*Mains electricity
*NEMA connector
*Telephone sockets/plugs by country

External links

* [http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm Information on the electrical systems in use in most countries of the world]
* [http://www.electrical-installation.schneider-electric.com/ Electrical Installation Guide According to IEC 60364]
* [http://wiki.myelectrical.com/index.php?title=World_Voltages_and_Supplies World Voltages (including low and medium voltage)]