Type F mains power plug & socket

The term mains usually refers to the general purpose alternating current (AC) electrical power supply (as in “I've connected the appliance to the mains”). The term is not usually used in the United States and Canada. This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... CEE 7/7 plug and socket Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains (domestic, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes. ... CEE 7/7 plug and socket Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains (domestic, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes. ... City lights viewed in a motion blurred exposure. ... For delivered electrical power, see Electrical power industry. ...

In the United States, mains power has a variety of names. It is often called household power, household electricity, domestic power, wall power, line power, AC power, or grid power.

In Canada, any of the American terms for mains power can be used, but it may also be called hydro because much of the Canadian electrical generating capacity is hydroelectric. Hydroelectric dam diagram The waters of Llyn Stwlan, the upper reservoir of the Ffestiniog Pumped-Storage Scheme in north Wales, can just be glimpsed on the right. ...

Worldwide, many different mains power systems are found for the operation of household and light commercial electrical appliances and lighting. The different systems are characterized by: Worldwide, many different mains power systems are found for the operation of household and light commercial electrical appliances and lighting. ...

• Voltage,
• Frequency,
• wall sockets (receptacles) used,
• Grounding (earthing) system used, if any.

These parameters vary among regions, but the voltages are generally in the range 100–240 V, and the two commonly used frequencies are 50 Hz and 60 Hz. // In most countries, household power is single-phase electric power, in which a single live conductor brings alternating current into a house, and a neutral returns it to the power supply. ...

Some territories use different standards than the countries they belong to (such as Hong Kong). Foreign enclaves, such as large industrial plants or overseas military bases, may have a different standard voltage and frequency from the surrounding areas. Some city areas may use different standards from the surrounding countryside. Regions in an effective state of anarchy may have no central electrical authority, with electric power provided by incompatible private sources. Anarchy (from Greek: anarchía, no authority) has a popular meaning of disorder[1]. However it has a more precise meaning in political philosophy to describe any human society which exists without a state. ...

Many other combinations of voltage and utility frequency, including direct current, were formerly used, with frequencies between 25 Hz and 100 Hz and voltages from 100 to 250 V. The modern combinations of 230 V/50 Hz and 120 V/60 Hz did not apply in the first few decades of the 20th Century and are still not universal. The waveform of 230 volt, 50 Hz compared with 110 V, 60 Hz. ...

Industrial plants with polyphase power systems will have different, higher, voltages installed for large equipment (and different receptacles and plugs), but the common voltages listed here would still be found for lighting and portable equipment. A polyphase system is a means of distributing alternating current electrical power. ...

Other terms for "mains voltage" include power-supply voltage, supply voltage, system voltage, household power, household electricity, domestic power, wall power, line power, AC power, or grid power.

Voltage levels

Distinction should be made between the voltage at the point of supply (nominal system voltage) and the voltage rating of the equipment (utilization voltage). Typically the utilization voltage is 3 to 5 % lower than the nominal system voltage; for example, a nominal 208 V supply system will be connected to motors with "200 V" on their nameplates. This allows for the voltage drop between equipment and supply. Voltages in this article are the nominal supply voltages and equipment used on these systems will carry slightly lower nameplate voltages. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

The choice of utilization voltage is governed more by tradition than by optimization of the distribution system. In theory a 230 V distribution system will use less conductor material to deliver a given quantity of power. Incandescent lamps for 120 V systems are more efficient and rugged than 230 V lamps, while large heating appliances can use smaller conductors at 230 V for the same output rating. Practically speaking, few household appliances use anything like the full capacity of the outlet to which they are connected. Minimum wire sizes for hand-held or portable equipment is usually restricted by the mechanical strength of the conductors. One may observe that both 230 V system countries and 120 V system countries have extensive penetration of electrical appliances in homes. National electrical codes prescribe wiring methods intended to minimize the risk of electric shock or fire. The incandescent light bulb (archaically known as the electric lamp) uses a glowing wire filament heated to white-hot by electrical resistance, to generate light (a process known as thermal radiation or incandescence). ... Electrical wiring in general refers to insulated conductors used to carry electricity, and associated devices. ...

Many areas using (nominally) 120 V make use of three-wire, single-phase systems to supply large appliances. Three-phase systems can be connected to give various combinations of voltage, suitable for use by different classes of equipment. A split phase electricity distribution system is a 3-wire single-phase distribution system, commonly used in North America for single-family residential and light commercial (up to about 100 kVA) applications. ... Three phase systems have 3 waveforms (usually carrying power) that are 2/3π radians (120 degrees,1/3 of a cycle) offset in time. ...

Most European countries are gradually moving towards a 230 volt standard. The European Union^[1] (including the UK^[2]) has now officially harmonized on a low voltage single-phase supply RMS (Root Mean Square) voltage of 230 V ±10%, with a frequency of 50 Hz^[3]. For a transition period (1995–2008), countries who previously used 220 V will use a narrower asymmetric tolerance range of 230 V +6% −10% and those (like the UK) who previously used 240 V will use 230 V +10% −6%^[4]. Note that in practice no change in voltage is required by either system as both 220V and 240V fall within the lower 230 V tolerance bands (230 V ±6%). low voltage ... In electrical engineering, single-phase electric power refers to the distribution of electric power using a system in which all the voltages of the supply vary in unison. ... In mathematics, the root mean square or rms is a statistical measure of the magnitude of a varying quantity. ... MHZ redirects here. ...

Following voltage harmonisation all electricity supply within the EU is now nominally 230 V ± 10% (though some countries have stricter specifications: for example, the UK specifies 230 V +10% −6%). In practice this means that countries such as the UK that previously supplied 240 V continue to do so, and those that previously supplied 220 V continue to do so. However equipment should be designed to accept any voltages within the specified range, and in practice most do so.

In the United States^[5] and Canada^[6], national standards dictate that utilities supply the nominal voltage within −5% to +5%. These standards specify that the nominal voltage at the source of supply should be nominal 120 V and allow a range of 114 to 126 V (-5% to +5%). Historically 110, 115 and 117 volts have been used at different times and places in North America.

Voltage tolerances are for steady-state operation; momentary heavy loads, or switching operations in the power distribution network, may cause short-term deviations out of the tolerance band. In general, power supplies derived from large networks with many sources will be more stable than those supplied to an isolated community with perhaps only a single generator.

All European and most African and Asian countries use a supply that is within 10% of 230 V, whereas Japan, North America and some parts of South America use a supply between 100 and 127 V. World map showing the location of Europe. ... Josephson junction array chip developed by NIST as a standard volt. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ...

As of the year 2000, Australia has converted to 230 V as the nominal standard with a tolerance of +10% -6%.^[7], this superseding the old 240 V standard, AS2926-1987.^[8] Like the UK, 240 V is within the allowable limits and “240 volt” spoken as “two forty volt” remains a synonym for mains in Australian and British English. British English (BrE, BE, en-GB) is the broad term used to distinguish the forms of the English language used in the United Kingdom from forms used elsewhere in the Anglophone world. ...

In Japan, the electrical power supply to households is at 100 V. Eastern and northern parts of Honshū (including Tokyo) and Hokkaidō have a frequency of 50 Hz, whereas western Honshu (including Nagoya, Osaka, and Hiroshima), Shikoku, Kyūshū and Okinawa operate at 60 Hz. To accommodate the difference, appliances marketed in Japan can often be switched between the two frequencies. HonshÅ« (本州 Literally Main State) is the largest island of Japan, called the Mainland; it is south of Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait, north of Shikoku across the Inland Sea, and northeast of Kyushu across the Kanmon Strait. ... Tokyo ), the common English name for the Tokyo Metropolis ), is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and, unique among the prefectures, provides certain municipal services characteristic of a city. ...   literally North Sea Circuit, Ainu: Mosir), formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japans second largest island and the largest of its 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. ... MHZ redirects here. ... This article is about the island. ... KyÅ«shÅ« region of Japan and the current prefectures on KyÅ«shÅ« island KyÅ«shÅ« ), literally Nine Provinces, is the third largest island of Japan and most southerly and westerly of the four main islands. ... This article is about the prefecture. ...

History of voltage and frequency

Voltage & frequency around the world

A 50 Hz ±5 Hz vibrating-reed mains frequency meter for 220 V (this device was made in Czechoslovakia in 1967)

System of three-phase alternating current electrical generation and distribution were invented by serveral persons in the 19th Century including Nikola Tesla. He considered 60 Hz the best frequency for alternating current (AC) power distribution, and 240 V as the best voltage for long distribution circuits. Thomas Edison developed direct current (DC) systems at 110 V and this was claimed to be safer. For more information about the early battles between proponents of AC and DC supply systems see War of Currents. The 110 volt level was chosen to make high-resistance carbon filament lamps practical and economically competitive with gas lighting. While higher voltages would reduce the current required for a given quantity of lamps. the filaments would become increasingly fragile and short-lived; Edison selected voltages around 100 as a comprimise between distribution costs and lamp costs. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (808x581, 12 KB) Taken with full p yjtkermission from Electricity around the world. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (808x581, 12 KB) Taken with full p yjtkermission from Electricity around the world. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1804x947, 304 KB) power frequency: result = 49. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1804x947, 304 KB) power frequency: result = 49. ... Three phase systems have 3 waveforms (usually carrying power) that are 2/3π radians (120 degrees,1/3 of a cycle) offset in time. ... Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)[1] was a world-renowned Serbian inventor, physicist, mechanical engineer and electrical engineer. ... MHZ redirects here. ... The waveform of 230 volt, 50 Hz compared with 110 V, 60 Hz. ... City lights viewed in a motion blurred exposure. ... Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph and a long lasting light bulb. ... Direct current (DC or continuous current) is the continuous flow of electricity through a conductor such as a wire from high to low potential. ... // In the War of Currents era (sometimes, War of the Currents or Battle of Currents) in the late 1880s, George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison became adversaries due to Edisons promotion of direct current (DC) for electric power distribution over the alternating current (AC) advocated by Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla. ... Gas lighting is the process of burning piped natural gas or coal gas for illumination. ...

In the 1880's only carbon-filament incandescent lamps were available, designed for a voltage of around 100 volts. Later metal filament lamps became feasible. In 1899, the Berliner Electricitäts-Werk (BEW), a Berlin electrical utility, decided to greatly increase its distribution capacity by switching to 220 volt nominal distribution, taking advantage of the higher voltage capability of metal filament lamps. The company was able to offset the cost of converting the customer's equipment by th eresulting saving in distribution conductors cost. This became the model for electrical distribution in Germany and the rest of Europe and the 220-volt (later 230-volt) system became common. North American practice remained with voltages near 110 volts for lamps. ^[9]

In 1883 Edison patented a three wire distribution system to allow DC generation plants to serve a wider radius of customers. This saved on copper costs since lamps were connected in series on a 220 volt system, with a neutral conductor connected between to carry any unbalance between the two sub-circuits. This was later adapted to AC circuits. Most lighting and small appliances ran on 120 V, big appliances can be connected to 240 V. This system saved copper and was backward-compatible with existing appliances. Also, the original plugs could be used with the revised system. A split phase electricity distribution system is a 3-wire single-phase distribution system, commonly used in North America for single-family residential and light commercial (up to about 100 kVA) applications. ...

Many different power frequencies were used in the 19th century, but early in the 20th century most power was produced at 60 Hz (North America) or 50 Hz (Europe and most of Asia). The first units at the Niagara Falls generating station produced 25 Hz power and some early systems used 25 Hz. Canadian 25 Hz residential customers were converted from 25 Hz service to 60 Hz starting in 1949, a project that ran for about 10 years. Prior to the conversion, special filters would be placed onto the ends of fluorescent lights to prevent the flicker from being visible. A few industrial customers, and the Toronto subway (underground) system, still use 25 Hz power in the Niagara Region of Ontario and Western New York, from the hydro-electric plants on the Niagara River or from frequency changers operated off the 60 Hz network. The waveform of 230 volt, 50 Hz compared with 110 V, 60 Hz. ... A compact fluorescent lamp A fluorescent lamp is a type of electric lamp that excites argon and mercury vapor to create luminescence. ... Niagara Regional Municipality (2001 population 410,574), also known as Niagara Region, Regional Niagara, or the Regional Municipality of Niagara, is an area covering 12 municipalities, including th cities of Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, St. ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Official languages English Government - Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman - Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 106 - Senate seats 24 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st) Area [1] Ranked... Western New York refers to the westernmost counties of New York State, roughly the area included in the Holland Purchase. ... Satellite image of the Niagara River. ... A frequency changer or frequency converter is an electronic device that converts alternating current (AC) of one frequency to alternating current of another frequency. ...

Implementation of the National Grid in the United Kingdom starting in 1926 compelled the standardization of frequencies among the many interconnected electrical service providers. Notably, the large NESCO network in the north-east part of England was converted at great expense from 40 Hz to 50 Hz to match the national grid. The National Grid is the high-voltage electric power transmission network in Great Britain, connecting power stations and major substations and ensuring that electricity generated anywhere in Great Britain can be used to satisfy demand elsewhere. ... The Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply Company was founded in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, in 1889 by the industrialist John Theodore Merz (1840-1922). ...

The German company AEG (descended from a company founded by Edision in Germany) built the first European generating facility to run at 50 Hz, allegedly because the number 60 did not fit into the numerical unit sequence of 1, 2, 5…. At that time, AEG had a virtual monopoly and their standard spread to the rest of the continent. In Britain, differing frequencies (including 25 Hz, 40 Hz, and DC) proliferated, and the 50 Hz standard was completely established only after World War II. In an interesting symmetry, parts of California used 50 Hz power and did not standardize on 60 Hz until the late 1940's. AEG volt-meter designed by Peter Behrens AEG (Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft, General Electricity Company) was a German producer of electronics and electrical equipment. ... In industrial design, product developers must choose numerous lengths, distances, diameters, volumes, and other characteristic quantities. ... A monopoly (from the Greek language monos, one + polein, to sell) is defined as a persistent market situation where there is only one provider of a product or service, in other words a firm that has no competitors in its industry. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Some traction power networks for railway use in Europe operate at 16-2/3 Hz, for propulsion of electric trains. A traction power network is an electricity grid for the supply of electric trains. ...

Frequency stability

Frequency stabilization of large interconnected power systems allow line-operated clocks to keep accurate time. Network operators will regulate the daily average frequency so that clocks stay within a few seconds of correct time. In practice nominal frequency is raised or lowered by a specific percentage to maintain synchronization. In continental Europe the deviation between synchronous time and actual is calculated at 8 a.m. each day, and the frequency normally raised or lowered by 0.02% from 50 Hz as needed.^[10] In Canada the deviation is constantly monitored and whenever the error exceeds 2 seconds a correction of +/- 0.02 Hz (0.033%) is applied.^[11] A real-time frequency meter for power generation in the United Kingdom is available online.[1] Smaller power systems may not maintain frequency with the same degree of accuracy. Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands and, at times, peninsulas. ...

Powerline communications

Main article: Power line communication

Power line communication (PLC), also called mains communication, power line telecoms (PLT), powerband or power line networking (PLN) or power area networking (PAN) are terms describing several different systems for using power distribution wires for simultaneous distribution of data. The carrier can communicate voice and data by superimposing an analog signal over the standard 50 or 60 Hz alternating current (AC). It includes Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) with data rates sometimes above 1 Mbit/s and Narrowband over Power Lines with much lower data rates. For other uses, see Power band. ...

A short-range form of power-line carrier is used for home automation and intercoms. Light control computerized system Home automation (also called domotics) is a field within building automation, specializing in the specific automation requirements of private homes and in the application of automation techniques for the comfort and security of its residents. ...

References

1. ^ CENELEC Harmonization Document HD 472 S1:1988
2. ^ Electricity Supply (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1994 (Statutory Instrument 1994 No. 3021), which amend the The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988 (Statutory Instrument 1988 No. 1057)
3. ^ CENELEC standard EN 50160: Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution systems
4. ^ British Standard BS 7697: Nominal voltages for low voltage public electricity supply systems — (Implementation of HD 472 S1)
5. ^ ANSI C84.1: American National Standard for Electric Power Systems and Equipment—Voltage Ratings (60 Hertz)
6. ^ CSA C3-235: Preferred Voltage Levels for AC Systems, 0 to 50 000 V
7. ^ AS60038-2000 Standards Australia - Standard Voltages
8. ^ SAI Global
9. ^ Thomas P. Hughes, Networks of Power: Electrification in Western Society 1880-1930, The Johns Hopkins University Press,Baltimore 1983 ISBN 0-8018-2873-2 pg. 193
10. ^ Load Frequency Control and Performance
11. ^ B.C. Hydro e-mail

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit standards organization that produces industrial standards in the United States. ... CSA has these meanings: Camphorsufonic Acid Canadian Soccer Association Canadian Space Agency Canadian Standards Association Carry save adder, a type of digital adder Casting Society of America Central des Syndicats Autonomes du Bénin (Autonomous Trade Unions Centre), trade union centre in Benin. ... Thomas Parke Hughes is Mellon Professor of the History and Sociology of Science, Emeritus, at the University of Pennsylvania, and Visiting Professor at MIT and Stanford University. ...

See also

• Domestic AC power plugs and sockets
• Electricity
• Energy meter
• Potential difference
• Power connector
• Three-phase electric power

// In most countries, household power is single-phase electric power, in which a single live conductor brings alternating current into a house, and a neutral returns it to the power supply. ... Lightning strikes during a night-time thunderstorm. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Electricity meter. ... Potential difference is a quantity in physics related to the amount of energy that would be required to move an object from one place to another against various types of force. ... A power connector is an electrical connector designed to carry a significant amount of electrical power, usually as DC or low-frequency AC. Some types of RF connector may also carry large amounts of power, but are considered as a separate category. ... Three-phase power transformer which is the sole transfer point for electricity to a suburban shopping mall in Canada. ...