TYPE N / EXPLAINED
How to recognize Type N
Type N has a compact three-round-pin arrangement derived from the IEC 60906-1 family. It resembles Type J, but the earth-pin geometry is different. In Brazil, the 10 A and 20 A versions have different pin diameters.
- Common regions
- Brazil and South Africa, under different national systems
- Contact arrangement
- Three round pins with a small earth-pin offset
- Common current variants
- Brazil: 10 A / 20 A; South Africa: 16 A
- Typical supply voltage
- Brazil: 127 / 220 V; South Africa: commonly 230 V
- Standard family
- NBR 14136 in Brazil; SANS 164-2 in South Africa
- Socket accepts
- Matching N variant; suitable C plugs where specified
Earthing, compatibility & common mix-ups
The Brazilian and South African implementations are separate national systems and do not share an approval automatically. Brazil also uses more than one supply voltage, so the socket shape alone cannot tell the user whether a location provides 127 V or 220 V. Check the supply and appliance input marking separately.
What the type letter tells you
The letter describes a recognizable connection family. It does not specify the complete wall plate, mounting box, shutters, terminal design or approval for a destination market. A plug's rated voltage is also different from the actual supply voltage at a location. An adapter changes the physical connection; it does not convert voltage or frequency.
Choosing a Type N socket for your market
Start with the destination country and the appliance connection you need to support. Then identify the exact national version within NBR 14136 in Brazil; SANS 164-2 in South Africa, its marked current and voltage, and its earthing arrangement. The figures above describe common configurations; the supplied product's marking and technical documents define the actual model.
- Compare the complete contact pattern with the reference image, including the earth contact.
- Confirm the local supply voltage and frequency against the appliance input label.
- For a buying enquiry, include mounting format, current variant, quantity and required market documents.
Does physical fit mean the connection is suitable?
No. The earth connection, contact pressure, current rating, supply voltage and approved configuration all matter. Do not force a plug into a socket or remove an earth contact.
Reference image and initial type data: supplied global plug-and-socket workbook. Country context checked against Bel's World Plug and Input Voltage Guide. For South African configurations, see Interpower's SANS 164-2 guide. These recognition notes do not replace the applicable national standard or product documentation.