The common trouble for friends who often go abroad is that the plug standards vary in different countries, making it very difficult to charge electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops. Therefore, conversion plugs have become essential products for going abroad. So how to choose a suitable conversion plug? The following article will provide you with detailed purchasing knowledge, and I believe it will definitely be helpful to you.

classification

1. Applicable standards

(1) National standard




The Chinese standard plug features three flat heads. The structural design is reasonable, with a uniform number and arrangement of sockets, making the insertion and removal process easier. This design also helps to reduce damage or safety hazards caused by improper plugging and unplugging.

(2) American Standard



The American standard conversion socket adopts a one round, two flat design, and the plug has a large insertion and extraction force, which can withstand large tensile and compressive forces. Its smooth surface and wear resistance make the plug have a longer service life. It also has good heat resistance and insulation performance, ensuring electrical safety. In addition, it also has grounding protection, which can effectively prevent electric shock hazards.

(3) English Standard



It has three square pins and three poles: E, L, and N. The E (Earth) pole is the ground wire, the L (Live) pole is the live wire, and the N (null) pole is the zero wire, following the principle of "left zero, right middle of the fire wire". In addition, there are usually markings on the plug to indicate these polarities and the corresponding current and voltage values. Fused British standard plugs will be marked with the word "FUSED".

(4) European standard



The European standard plug is exquisitely designed and usually has a ground wire to ensure safety during use. Its plug part may have special rotation function, which can be easily adjusted to parallel or eight shaped according to usage needs to adapt to socket standards in different countries. It can be used in countries and regions that comply with European standards, such as Germany.

Tips for selecting power conversion plugs



1. Determine the plug

(1) National standard
The national standard plug adopts a three flat head design, which complies with national standards and ensures safety and stability during use. The voltage, current, and plug model on the plug and socket are clearly marked, making it easy for users to identify and use. Mainly used within China, it is a common type of power plug for homes and offices.

(2) American Standard
The design of one round and two flat pins usually has the characteristics of small size and light weight, which makes it easy to carry and suitable for various environments. It can be used in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Laos, Peru, Nigeria, Cayman Islands, and other places.

(3) English Standard
The British standard plug has three square pins, and is a common type of power plug in countries and regions such as Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Maldives, Qatar, etc. Widely used in industrial, residential, commercial and other places.

(4) European standard
European standard plugs often use additional safety switches to avoid accidental electric shock accidents. Widely used on the European continent, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, and other countries. In addition, in China, European standard plugs (usually referred to as German plugs) are also widely used in many household appliances and industrial equipment.

2. Power demand

You need to consider the power requirements of your electrical equipment. If your device requires high power, then you need to choose a conversion plug that can withstand this power. Generally speaking, conversion plugs have a rated power label, and you need to ensure that your device's power does not exceed this label.

3. Multifunctional

Some conversion plug designs have multiple functions, such as having a USB interface and being able to charge multiple devices simultaneously. If you need to power multiple devices simultaneously, such conversion plugs may be more convenient.

4. Brand and Quality

Famous brands usually have better quality control and after-sales service, so they may be safer and more reliable. At the same time, you can also view reviews from other users to understand the quality and performance of the conversion plug.

5. Portability

If you need to travel frequently, the portability of the conversion plug is also a factor to consider. Some conversion plugs are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and store.

6. Security

Ensure that the conversion plug has necessary safety functions, such as overload protection, short circuit protection, etc. These features can protect your device from damage caused by high voltage or current.

Key knowledge of power conversion plugs



1. Recognizing signs

Plug and socket products should be clearly marked with rated current, rated voltage, power supply properties, etc. In addition, converter products should be marked with the "MAX (or maximum)" symbol to indicate the rated current/power, in order to guide users to avoid overloading.

2. Rated value

The rated value is the most basic electrical exchange and coordination parameter to ensure the normal, safe, and coordinated use of plugs, sockets, converters, and connected electrical appliances. For example, the rated current of the converter shall not exceed the rated value of the plug part.

3. Size

Unqualified dimensions can affect user use or create hidden dangers such as poor contact and incorrect insertion. It can cause equipment damage, and in severe cases, it can lead to fire and electric shock accidents.

4. Anti electric shock protection

Anti electric shock protection is a key safety indicator to ensure that plugs, sockets, and converters will not cause electric shock accidents to users and others under normal use or even in some unexpected situations.

5. Power cord

The power cord should have sufficient cross-sectional area to ensure that it does not heat up and cause insulation damage, resulting in short circuits, fires, and electric leakage, which can cause accidents.

6. Mechanical strength

The plug and socket should have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand various mechanical stresses caused by drops, impacts, squeezing, etc. during installation and use; Sockets with protective doors should be able to prevent single pole insertion.

7. Heat and flame resistant

The insulation material of plugs and sockets should have a certain degree of flame retardant performance. Under high temperature conditions, its structure and characteristics will not undergo significant changes, ensuring a certain level of mechanical strength.

8. Usage precautions

Do not choose plugs with rotatable pins or artificially change the shape of the plug; Do not use two high-power appliances on the same socket at the same time; When the temperature of the plug, socket or power cord is found to be too high or sparks occur, it should be stopped and replaced.

summary

The selection of conversion plugs is actually very simple, just choose the corresponding product according to the plug standards of the country you want to go to. Of course, you can also choose products that combine numerous standard plugs, which are supported wherever you go, but the price will be relatively higher.