What kind of electrical outlets in spain: Travel Plug Adaptor for Spain

Why do different countries have different electric outlet plugs?

By Ted Kury
Director of Energy Studies, Public Utility Research Center, University of Florida Warrington College of Business
January 4, 2021•Reading Time: 4 minutes

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to [email protected].

Why do different countries have different electric outlet plugs? – Evie H., age 9, Seattle, Washington

You find yourself in an airport or hotel room in another country, and you really need to charge your phone, camera or game system. But what is that strange-looking outlet? It has round holes! And there are two? Or three? What’s going on here? Why doesn’t this country use the same plugs that I use back home?

The short answer is that the systems that deliver electricity to homes around the world have been built by thousands of people over the last 140 years. And they’re not finished yet. Around the world, about 750 million people – one out of every 10 – still don’t have access to electricity. But for the 90% who do, there are 15 different types of domestic electrical outlet plugs in use around the globe.

Three of the 15 major types of electric plugs in use around the world. Letters are assigned by the U.S. Department of Commerce and are for identification only. Worldstandards.eu, CC BY-ND

To understand why electric outlets aren’t all the same, you need to know how a plug works. In the U.S., the slot on the right side of an electrical outlet is called the “hot” side and the slot on the left is “neutral.” When you plug in a lamp and turn it on, it completes a circuit that allows electric current to flow and light the lamp. The current flows from the “hot” side through the lamp and back to the “neutral” side.

The third opening in the middle of the outlet is called the “ground.” It helps to keep you safe from electric shock if something goes wrong with the plug, or if a wire gets loose in whatever you’ve plugged in. This feature is called grounding, because if electric current escapes from the wires that normally carry it, a special set of wires leads it from the center opening to a rod buried deep in the ground.

To push current through the wires, electrical systems create a pressure called voltage. The higher the voltage, the higher the pressure. You can think of it like running water: It might be a trickle, or a stream, or a flow so fast it can knock you off your feet.

When inventors like Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla built the world’s first modern transmission grid in the U.S. in the 1880s, the voltage delivered to homes was established at 110 volts. Most of the things that ran on electricity back then – mainly lights – worked best at 110 volts. This is still the standard in the U.S., even though actual voltages on our system tend to run a bit higher.

But when people started to build power grids in other countries, they tried to make improvements. Companies in Europe realized that supplying power at 220 volts instead of 110 volts would be cheaper. At a higher voltage, electric companies can deliver the same power with less current – picture a narrow stream flowing quickly compared to a wider stream flowing slowly. And less current allows for thinner wires. Since the copper that’s used for electric wires is expensive, higher voltage could save money.

Round pins were another early innovation in plugs. People thought they made the plug fit more securely in the socket.

At first, plugs in the U.S. had only two tabs without a ground pin. Engineers developed the idea of a ground pin to make plugs safer in the 1920s. Many countries adopted these grounded plugs immediately, but they didn’t always make them the rule. For example, while the U. S. used these plugs for some appliances, they didn’t become the standard in homes until 1971.

So because different countries adopted innovations like these at different times, the plugs that they used changed throughout the years.

Now that most homes in the world have access to electricity, adopting one global standard would be more convenient than having different types of plugs. But it would require countries that don’t already use that standard to spend billions of dollars to change their outlets, the way they build buildings and even the way they manufacture certain appliances. Not surprisingly, these countries would rather spend that money on something else.

The bottom line is that countries might support the idea of a global standard, but no one wants to change theirs. So for the foreseeable future, if you’re getting ready for a trip, don’t forget to pack your adapters.

Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation. com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

Theodore J. Kury, Director of Energy Studies, University of Florida

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Popular Electric Plugs Used In Vietnam

Here is brief information of electric plugs that popular used in Vietnam. We hope this will be helpful when you are packing for your Vietnam holidays.
There are 2 important things you need to pay attention when it comes to electricity in Vietnam: plugs and voltage.
Electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 Volts at 50Hz. Plugs type A (two flat vertical pins), type C and type F (two round pins) fit to most Vietnam electrical outlets. If your power plug has 3 pins, you would need an adapter as most electrical outlets here do not include a grounding holes.

A- Plugs

Vietnam power plug.

A typical Vietnam electrical outlet.

The below 3 powers plug heads can be used in Vietnam easily.

Power plug type A: 2 vertical pins.

Power plug type C: 2 round pins.

Power plug type F (also known as Schuko plug): 2 round pins.

If you are from Europe with the exception of the UK
Great! Europe power plugs are similar to the ones used in Vietnam.

If you are from North and Central America or Japan
Although your plug can be used in Vietnam, It is safe to check the voltage compatibility highlighted below.

If you are from the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong
Although type G plugs (British) with 3 rectangular pins can be used in Vietnam in some places, it is less common and in most cases require an adapter.

If you are from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina or parts of China
You need an adapter. However, if your power plug only has 2 pins (doesn’t require a grounding hole), it still can be used if you force the plug hard enough into the outlets sockets. You should only do this as a last resort. Forcing the plug can result in damaging the it and causing safety hazard.

However, even if the plugs fit, it does not mean they can be used in Vietnam. You need to understand the electricity voltage and frequency too…

B- Voltage and Frequency

Vietnam’s electricity voltage is 220 Volt at 50Hz.
If your device says something like “100-240, 50-60Hz”, it means it is compatible with all of different voltages used in the world including Vietnam. You can use them anywhere as long as the plugs are also compatible.

If you are from North and Central America or Japan
Your devices voltage is 110 volts and different from electric system used in Vietnam.  You need to check the back of your devices to see if it says something like “100-240, 50-60Hz”. If so, it is ok to use them as long as you have the right plug. Otherwise, you need a transformer to convert the voltage from 110 for 220 volts which is currently having in Vietnam.

If you come from the rest of the world (except from some areas in the Philippines, Peru, South Korea and Brazil)
You don’t need to worry too much about the voltage as majority of the world use 220-240 volts, similar voltage to Vietnam.

Where to buy an adapter in Vietnam?
While traveling in Vietnam, you can buy converters or adapters at electric-stores, groceries and convenient stores. Otherwise, you can borrow one from your hotels.
Price is around 3- 4 USD/ adapter.

Essential tips for safety when you use electrical devices in Vietnam:
– Don’t use electrical devices when your hands are wet or you’re in wet areas.
– Don’t touch or handle the power sockets if you find any sign of damage.
– Don’t try to force the plug if it does not fit the socket since some of the electrical plugs used in Vietnam may be a different size or installed poorly, thus you should look for other sockets before using.
– Always look for signs of electrical problems like sounds and smell.
– Try to avoid using the device or equipment while charging battery.

In case you forget to bring electrical plugs or adapters to Vietnam or you are difficult to buy them, our Vietnam Travel‘s consultants or tour guides could provide free help.

Types of sockets

In our article “Rating of manufacturers of sockets and switches” we talked in detail about the best manufacturers of electrical products. We have described in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the main players in the “electronic market”, based on real customer reviews and our professional opinion.

In this article we will consider in detail such a group of electrical installation products as sockets – we will tell you about their types, features and components. nine0003

Purpose of sockets

Socket – an electrical device designed to connect electrical appliances to the mains using a plug. It is impossible to imagine an apartment, house or any other domestic premises without an outlet.

Sockets typically consist of four main components:

1. A metal frame, or support, which is attached to the socket and performs a connecting function between the wall and the mechanism itself.
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2. The socket mechanism is the most important part, consisting of a housing (usually made of plastic, ceramic or metal), as well as an insulator located inside the housing, which acts as a mechanical fastening of the contact parts.

3. Front panel – superimposed on top of the mechanism. They perform a protective function.

4. Frame – used to hide the joints between the support, the wall and the mechanism, organizing the aesthetic appearance of the electrical product.
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Above, we told you about the most common type of sockets – built-in. In addition to them, there are also overhead and portable sockets, in which the mechanism is enclosed in a box-case, completely hiding the connector.

Types of receptacles by plugs

A – American standard without grounding. It is also used in Japan and Canada.
B – American standard, but already with grounding.
C – European standard without grounding (in Russia this is the old version of the sockets – in the new version there is grounding). This type of connector is common in Europe, and in Russia, and in the near abroad, etc..
D – Old British Standard.
E – French standard.
F – European standard with grounding. Modern execution of sockets.
G – British standard with grounding. Modern execution of sockets.
H – Israeli standard with grounding.
I – Australian standard with grounding.
J – Swiss standard with grounding.
K – Danish standard with grounding.
L – Italian standard with grounding. nine0003

In Russia, the F connector is considered a standard, so if you go abroad or purchase electrical goods from another country, do not forget to take care of purchasing a special adapter.

In our country, to connect household electrical appliances with a power of up to 3.5 kW, a socket with a voltage of up to 220 V is used, for example, a refrigerator, kettle, TV, microwave oven, etc. But if you need to connect more powerful appliances such as an electric stove, then it is better to use industrial three-phase sockets rated for 32 A.
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Additional socket functions

Now we will move on to the most interesting part of this article and look at the various functionalities of sockets. This group of electrical installation products has long ceased to be just a device for transmitting current. Sockets today are a high-tech device that can create design accents in a room and perform space automation functions.

Let’s analyze in more detail what useful additions can be found on the market today:

1. Sockets with integrated RCD. In one of the articles, we talked about what an RCD is and why it is necessary to install it. Such sockets are installed in places of high humidity, at the time of a leak, a mechanism is activated that turns on the socket in a fraction of a second, which can prevent a fire or breakage of a household appliance.
2. Cover sockets. Another way to protect the internal mechanism from moisture. Compared to the previous version, such devices are much cheaper. nine0019

3. Illuminated sockets. With them, you can easily insert the plug into the socket even in complete darkness.
4. Sockets with USB input. Similar products appeared on the market just a few years ago and have already become very popular. Firstly, you can no longer look for an adapter for charging and use the wire itself directly, and secondly, several household appliances can be connected to such a device at the same time.
5. “Smart” or Wi-Fi sockets. They will become an indispensable thing for everyone who wants to integrate automation systems into the premises. nine0019

6. And, of course, it is worth noting the existence of separate sockets for a television antenna and an Internet cable. You no longer have to stretch the wire through the whole apartment, it is enough to think through everything once and bring the necessary wires to the sockets.

More than 4000 different sockets are presented on the amperkin.ru website, follow the link and choose. Amperkin is the choice of professionals!

articles and useful information about Spain

nine0081 Date:
06/04/2017

Author: ABC of Spain

How to move into quality housing for those who prefer a new building to real estate in Spain from banks?

Not all buyers make a decision to buy inexpensive real estate in Spain from banks. Despite the fact that new buildings tend to be more expensive than resale properties, many people prefer to buy new housing. However, the owners of the new building need to be borne in mind: in order to avoid problems in the future, before moving in, it is necessary to carefully inspect the housing and eliminate the shortcomings. The Spanishpropertyinsight portal tells how to do this.
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Before you sign the documents and take possession of a new apartment, you need to make sure that the apartment fully meets all the requirements of the buyer. Elimination of deficiencies must precede the final payment for housing in favor of the developer. As a rule, one or two months before the official completion of construction, the owner of a new home receives a notification that he can come to inspect his future property. Conscientious developers are trying to eliminate all shortcomings by this day in order to guarantee that the payment and signing of the contract will take place as planned.
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However, the buyer, of course, should not rely entirely on the conscientiousness of the developer. After all, it is the owner who will have to deal with all the problems of new housing that will arise in the future. Ideally, the buyer should organize a thorough inspection of the property and do it in advance so that the developer has time to correct any identified deficiencies. If the final payment has not yet been made, the buyer will have leverage on the developer, who will not receive his money until the property is perfect.
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Many buyers find that they can enlist the help of a lawyer when inspecting a property. This view is both true and false at the same time. On the one hand, lawyers do not conduct a direct inspection of the property and do not compile a list of identified shortcomings. On the other hand, a lawyer can assist in negotiations with the developer and draw up all the necessary documents.

Of course, if desired, the buyer can inspect his future apartment himself, but experts strongly recommend using the help of qualified inspectors for this. The list compiled by such an inspector can then be used by a lawyer who will negotiate with the developer, who is obliged to eliminate all identified shortcomings. Armed with such a list, the lawyer will be able to have a substantive conversation with the developer and decide the case in favor of the buyer, who will pay the final cost of the property only after all the work has been completed.
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What should buyers pay attention to, who prefer not to buy real estate in Spain from banks, but a new building under construction?

As mentioned above, property inspections should ideally be carried out by a qualified professional. But the buyer should also know what points you need to pay attention to in the first place:

• any stains indicative of excessive moisture;
• mold;
• incorrectly placed tiles;
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• leaky faucets;
• peeling paint;
• electrical switches and sockets not working;
• scratches on walls and window panes;
• the integrity of double-glazed windows and blinds.

The buyer, who is likely to be present during the inspection, may ask himself the following questions:

• Is the plastering and painting done well?
• Do all doors and windows close properly?
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• Are all communications, internet outlets, sockets, switches and telephone socket completed as planned?
• Have you installed all the household appliances that should be in the apartment in accordance with the project?
• Do the faucets and sewers work well if water is already connected to the house?
• Are all sockets and switches working?

It is not always possible to give answers to the last two questions, since most often these service providers connect the house to water supply and electricity networks only after the official completion of construction.