What is Plug Type I?
Plug Type I comes in two configurations. The 10 amp plug is distinct in that it has two flat blades, which are both 1.6 mm thick and set at a 30° angle to the vertical, creating an inverted V form. The center of these prongs measure 13.7 mm apart while their length and width equal 17.3mm x 6.3mm respectively; the earth blade also measures 20mm long with its width and thickness being 6.3x1m respectively paired with a distance of 10.3 mm between the centre point of grounding pin and middle part of this plug’s body composition . Under certain circumstances, you may instead find an ungrounded variation similar to this one but only featuring two flat-V shaped prongs without any additional features.
Plug/socket configurations rated at 15 amps are also available, with a wider ground pin of 8 mm. Interestingly enough, a 10 amp plug will fit in the same socket as that of the 15 amp outlet; however, only this specialized plug can be inserted into its own specific 15amp receptacle. Additionally, there is another variation – 20amps- whose prongs are even wider than before! Generally speaking and to make it easier for everyone to remember: any lower amperage plugs will always slot inside higher amperage outlets but not vice versa. As outlined by Australia’s codified regulations AS3112 – safety first!
The insulated live and neutral pins of both plug versions provide a layer of protection, safeguarding against electric shock even when the prongs are not fully inserted into an outlet.
What countries use Plug Type I?
Plug Type I is primarily utilized in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China and Argentina. It is sometimes accepted in places like Hong Kong and other parts of Asia.
List of countries using Plug Type I:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Christmas Island
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Nauru
- Norfolk Island
- Papua New Guinea
- Pitcairn Islands
- Samoa
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Solomon Islands
- China
Where did Plug Type I come from?
The Plug Type I standard was created in 1952 by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The original intention of the plug type was to provide a universal outlet that could be used across countries, but it never reached widespread adoption. Instead, many countries developed their own plug types while others adopted this one.
The Australian type I plug is nearly identical to the American type A due to their shared history; both were invented in 1916 by electrical engineer Harvey Hubbell II. Although the Australasian standard has long since become obsolete in America, its legacy lives on through the remarkably similar design of these two plugs.
Hubbell’s three-blade design never gained traction in the U.S., as it was not compatible with the existing type A plug; however, Australians preferred this system to their British type D ones due to its simpler production of flat pins rather than round pins. As a result, leading Australian electrical manufacturers and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria officially put forward Hubbell’s structure as Australia’s standard in the 1930s.
Can I get a Plug Type I travel adapter?
Yes, a Plug Type I travel adapter is available for purchase. This adapter allows you to use your electronic devices from any country in the world with Plug Type I outlets. It’s important to note that this adapter does not convert voltage or frequency so make sure that your device is built for 220-240 volts AC, 50 Hz before plugging it in. Additionally, check the shape of the pins on your device’s plug and make sure they are compatible with the Plug Type I outlet before using an adapter. Travel adapters can be found online or at most electronics stores.