Type N Plug & Sockets
Type N — Brazilian / South African (IEC 60906-1) round pins.
Type N at a glance
| Plug code | Type N |
|---|---|
| Grounded | Yes — has an earth contact |
| Typical voltage world | Both — voltage varies by country |
| Fits these sockets | Type N |
| Used in (countries) | 2 |
What a Type N plug is
Two or three round pins, Brazil's own standard (also adopted by South Africa). A Type N socket accepts the Europlug (Type C); the grounded Type N plug fits only a Type N socket. Note Brazil mixes 127V and 220V regions, so the plug shape alone never tells you the voltage.
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 N sockets
What adapter to buy
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Get a Type N 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.
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Type N FAQ
What does a Type N plug look like?
Two or three round pins, Brazil's own standard (also adopted by South Africa). A Type N socket accepts the Europlug (Type C); the grounded Type N plug fits only a Type N socket. Note Brazil mixes 127V and 220V regions, so the plug shape alone never tells you the voltage.
Which countries use Type N sockets?
Type N sockets are used in Brazil, South Africa. Always confirm the local voltage — the plug shape alone never tells you whether your device is safe.
Do Type N plugs fit other sockets?
No. A Type N plug fits only Type N 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.