Different Types of Plugs and Sockets in India | New Topic

In this note, we are going to know about Different Types of Plugs and Sockets in India. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

Different Types of Plugs and Sockets in India

What is Socket?

A socket (sometimes called an outlet or receptacle) is a type of electrical fitting that is permanently put in walls, panels, or boards. It serves as an interface for the plug to connect to the power supply. It has holes or slots in which the plug pins are put to complete the electrical connection.

Example: The wall-mounted outlet where you connect your fan, TV, or mixer.

What is Plug?

A plug is a device that connects to the end of an electrical appliance’s power cord. It contains metal pins (typically two or three) that fit into a socket to form an electrical connection. The plug enables the device to receive electricity from an external source.

Example: The charger of a mobile phone has a plug that you insert into a wall socket.

In India, there are different types of plug and sockets –

• Two Pin Socket and Plug: Two-pin sockets are simple electrical outlets that can accept two-pin plugs. These are generally used for non-grounding equipment, such as mobile chargers, table lamps, and radios. The two-pin plug has two cylindrical metal pins: one for the live wire and one for the neutral. These are typically found in Class II appliances with double insulation.
• Three Pin Socket and Plug: Three-pin sockets are commonly used, with an additional third pin for grounding (earth). The three-pin plug has a live, neutral, and earth pin. The earth pin is bigger and longer, which is critical for user safety since it avoids electric shocks by redirecting leakage current. This type of plug is seen in heavy appliances such as refrigerators, computers, washing machines, and microwaves.
• Multi Pin Socket: Multi-pin sockets and plugs (such as 4-pin or 5-pin) are used with equipment that requires several connections, such as industrial machines, audio-video equipment, or medical devices. They allow several circuits to be connected using a single socket-plug assembly, resulting in improved communication and control over various power lines or signals.