There are two versions of the Type N plug. One plug is rated at 10 A and has two round pins (diameter 4mm) and an earth pin. The other power plug is intended for larger appliances and is rated at 20 A. It has two pins (diameter 4.8 mm) and an earth pin. The Type N socket is also designed to work with Type C plugs.
Table of Contents
What is a Type N plug?
The Type N Plug & Socket is a 3 plug socket primarily used in Brazil and South Africa. The Type N power plug and socket is grounded, has an amp rating of 10 A and 20 A, voltage range of 220-240 V, and is compatible with plug types C and N.
Type N plug dimensions
The pins of the Type N plug have a diameter of .16″ -.19″ (4-4.8 mm) and a length of .75″ (19 mm). The two outer pins are set .75″ (19 mm) apart, while the earth pin is centered and spaced .12″ (3 mm) vertically from the others.
Information on the Type N plug & socket
In 2001 and 2013, respectively, Brazil and South Africa standardized on the type N plug and socket system to end the proliferation of different plug and socket types within their borders.
The type N power plug consists of two pins and a grounding pin that forms a triangle. The power pins have 10 mm long insulated sleeves to prevent accidental contact with a bare connector while the power plug is partially inserted.
There are three variants, two of which are used in Brazil (10 A & 20 A) and one in South Africa (16 A). The prongs of all three versions have a length of 19 mm, but their diameters are different: the pins of the 10 amp version have a diameter of 4 mm, those of the 16 amp version have a diameter of 4.5 mm, and those of the 20 amp version has a diameter of 4.8 mm.
The centers of the line and neutral pins are spaced 19 mm apart. The center-to-center distance between the earth pin and the middle of the imaginary line connecting the two power pins is 3 mm.
Type N looks very much like the Swiss type J plug standard, but it is incompatible with it since type N has the earth pin closer to the imaginary line that connects the two power pins (3 mm instead of 5 mm). Type N sockets were specifically designed to accommodate the universal type C plugs and therefore have the same hexagonal profile.
What countries use type N plug?
Type N plug is used exclusively in Brazil and South Africa.
Used in countries:
| Brazil | 127V 220V 60Hz | Power socket: Type C, Type N |
| South Africa | 230V 50Hz | Power socket: Type C, Type D, Type M, Type N |
What is the difference between plug Type J and N?
Type J plug looks very much like the Brazilian type N plug standard, but it is incompatible with it since type J power plug has the earth pin further away from the centerline than the type N power plug: the center-to-center distance between the earth pin and the middle of the imaginary line connecting the two power pins is 5 mm.
Type N plug certificate
Type N is actually based on the international standard 230 V household plug system, called IEC 60906-1. In 1986, the International Electrotechnical Commission published this standard, which was intended to become the common standard for the whole of Europe (and, by extension, all other regions with 230 V mains). Unfortunately, the effort to adopt it as a European Union standard was put on hold in the mid-1990s.
Thanks to modern injection molding technology, which did not exist when most other plug types were originally designed, the very recent type N standard is more compact, robust, and safe than any other plug/socket system in the world.
We have made a very detailed graphic introduction in the article safety marks for more information about the safety certification of power cord plugs.
Now It’s Your Turn
So that’s how I understand the type N plug and socket.
Now I want to turn it over to you: Through my article, do you understand Type N electrical plugs and Sockets (Outlets)?
Do you have a different point of view with the Type N power plug? Or any other questions?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment below right now.
