Type I Plug & Sockets

Type I — Australian / Argentine / Chinese (angled flat blades + earth).

Type I at a glance

Type I plug shape Type I
Plug codeType I
GroundedYes — has an earth contact
Typical voltage world220–240V (Europe, most of Asia/Africa)
Fits these socketsType I
Used in (countries)4

What a Type I plug is

Two flat blades set in a V shape, usually with a third earth pin. Used in Australia, New Zealand, China and Argentina. Largely isolated — needs its own adapter outside the Type I family.

Remember: the plug shape says nothing about the voltage. A Type A plug fits sockets in both the US (120V) and Japan (100V); a Type C plug fits 220–240V sockets across Europe and much of Asia. Always check the voltage of your destination before plugging in a single-voltage device.

Countries that use Type I sockets

What adapter to buy

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Get a Type I travel adapter(opens in new tab)

Safety check: a plug adapter only changes plug shape. It does not convert voltage, so confirm your device label before buying.

Shopping links never change the safety verdict.

Type I FAQ

What does a Type I plug look like?

Two flat blades set in a V shape, usually with a third earth pin. Used in Australia, New Zealand, China and Argentina. Largely isolated — needs its own adapter outside the Type I family.

Which countries use Type I sockets?

Type I sockets are used in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, China. Always confirm the local voltage — the plug shape alone never tells you whether your device is safe.

Do Type I plugs fit other sockets?

No. A Type I plug fits only Type I sockets — bring a dedicated adapter.

Standards reference framework

These IEC publications define the reference framework used to interpret nominal voltage and household plug/socket systems:

  • IEC 60038: standard-voltage reference for nominal supply-voltage families.
  • IEC TR 60083:2015: technical overview of plugs and socket-outlets used in IEC member countries.
  • IEC 60884-1:2022: general safety and performance requirements for household plugs and socket-outlets.

These publications are reference standards, not proof of every live outlet. Country records still require current national, utility, or regional evidence and a visible review date.

Inspect country evidence. The public dataset separates primary, corroborated, partial, and pending claim coverage.

Plug types by country (full A–O guide) · Adapter vs converter

Guidance only — not professional electrical advice. Always confirm against your device's label before plugging in. Local wiring (especially in hotels and older buildings) can vary.