Type N Plug 3 pins
IEC 60906-1 (Brazilian)
The Type N plug has three round pins in a triangular arrangement and is an earthed design, usually with insulated sleeves on the live and neutral pins. It follows the IEC 60906-1 standard, supports 100-240V at 50/60 Hz, and is mainly used in South Africa and Brazil.
What Does a Type N Plug Look Like?
The Type N plug has three round pins arranged in a triangular pattern, with the live and neutral plus a dedicated earth pin. Pins commonly have insulated sleeves near the base. The face is compact and round-bodied; the triangular pin layout is the quickest way to recognise it. The design follows IEC 60906-1 and is sometimes called the Brazilian Type N.
Where Is the Type N Plug Used?
The Type N plug is mainly used in South Africa and Brazil, where the IEC 60906-1 standard has been adopted. It is a national standard in those two countries. Eswatini uses Type N only as a secondary socket. Although designed as a universal world standard, actual adoption remains limited to these locations.
Which Plugs Fit a Type N Socket?
Type N sockets accept Type C plugs. The visitor compatibility data shows European plugs (C, F, E) and Indian plugs (D, C) will fit Type N sockets. Plugs that do not fit are US and Canada A/B, UK G, Australia and New Zealand I, and Japan A/B. The Type N plug itself is not listed as fitting other socket types.
| Travelling from | Your plugs | Fits a Type N socket? |
|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Type A/B | No, bring an adapter |
| UK & Ireland | Type G | No, bring an adapter |
| Europe | Type C/F/E | Yes, no adapter |
| Australia & NZ | Type I | No, bring an adapter |
| India | Type D/C | Yes, no adapter |
| Japan | Type A/B | No, bring an adapter |
Travel Adapters for Type N Sockets
Travellers from countries with plugs that do not fit Type N sockets, such as the US, UK, Australia or Japan, will need a plug adapter to connect to Type N sockets. Visitors from Europe or India may not need an adapter where their plug type is listed as fitting. Type N sockets supply 100-240V at 50/60 Hz, so an adapter only changes pin shape, not voltage; use dual-voltage chargers for electronics or a voltage converter for single-voltage appliances.