Seasoned travellers are well aware of the many different plugs and sockets in use around the world. 

But which plug is used where?

First-time travellers to foreign countries may only find out when confronted with the problem of trying to plug their razor or hair-dryer into a socket with an unsuitable configuration, like pounding a square peg into a round hole.

With this problem in mind, the IEC created a plug and socket zone that is both informative and practical. It explains why things are as they are today and how they might be improved. It also provides information on the plugs, sockets and voltage used around the world, along with illustrations of the various plugs and sockets available.