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← All plug types§ 01 · Type I

Type I, explained.

Also known as · Australian plug · AS/NZS 3112 · Chinese plug

Type I (also known as the Australian plug) is a grounded 3-pin plug rated at 220-240V and 50Hz, 10A. It is the standard plug in Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina, Papua New Guinea and 3+ other countries.

Type I features two angled flat blades arranged in a distinctive V-shape with an optional vertical grounding pin below. This unique angled design, set at 30 degrees, creates an instantly recognizable plug that's used primarily in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina.

The angled blades provide a secure mechanical connection that resists accidental disconnection. In Australia and New Zealand, the standard operates at 230V/240V with 50Hz frequency.

The grounding pin is mandatory for appliances requiring earthing, making it safer for high-power devices. This design is considered one of the safest plug types due to its secure fit and proper grounding.

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§ 02 · The specs

Everything that matters, at a glance.

Pin layout, voltage, amperage, dimensions — the technical details for Type I in one tidy table.

Standard voltage
220-240V
Frequency
50Hz
Amperage
10A
Pin count
3 pins
Pin shape
Angled flat blades with vertical ground
Grounded
Yes
Pin length
17.3mm
Pin thickness
1.6mm
History

The Type I plug was developed in Australia in the early 20th century. Australia adopted a unique standard that later spread to New Zealand and, with modifications, to China. The angled pins provide a secure connection.

Safety

Modern Type I sockets include safety shutters and insulated pins. The grounding pin (when present) is longer and must be inserted first to open the safety shutters on compliant sockets.

Compatibility

Type I outlets only accept Type I plugs. While Australia/NZ and China both use Type I, there are slight variations in pin dimensions. Two-pin (ungrounded) versions exist for low-power devices.

§ 03 · Where it's used

11 countries use Type I.

Mostly across Oceania and China. Click any country for the full guide — voltage, adapters, and travel essentials for that destination.

OceaniaChinaArgentinaParts of South Pacific
🇦🇷Argentina🇦🇺Australia🇨🇳China🇫🇯Fiji🇳🇿New Zealand🇵🇬Papua New Guinea🇼🇸Samoa🇸🇧Solomon Islands🇹🇱Timor-Leste🇹🇴Tonga🇻🇺Vanuatu
§ Related plug types

Other plug types worth a look.

Neighboring plug types — same region, related shapes, or shared voltage zone. Useful when your trip has multiple stops.

§ Travel essentials

What every traveler should pack — and why.

Four picks for any international trip — what they actually do, and the moments where they pay for themselves.

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§ Common questions
What is the Type I plug?+

Type I features two angled flat blades arranged in a distinctive V-shape with an optional vertical grounding pin below. This unique angled design, set at 30 degrees, creates an instantly recognizable plug that's used primarily in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. The angled blades provide a secure mechanical connection that resists accidental disconnection. In Australia and New Zealand, the standard operates at 230V/240V with 50Hz frequency. The grounding pin is mandatory for appliances requiring earthing, making it safer for high-power devices. This design is considered one of the safest plug types due to its secure fit and proper grounding.

Which countries use Type I?+

Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China and across Oceania, China, Argentina. See the full list below.

Is the Type I plug grounded?+

Yes. Type I has a dedicated grounding pin for safe operation with appliances that require an earth connection.

Do I need a voltage converter for Type I countries?+

Type I countries operate at 220-240V, 50Hz. Modern dual-voltage electronics (phones, laptops, cameras labelled "100-240V") work everywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone need a converter.

Can I use my iPhone or laptop charger with Type I?+

Yes. Apple chargers and most laptop power supplies are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Type I countries with just a plug adapter — no converter needed.

§ Plan a trip

Going somewhere that uses Type I? Pluggy packs the rest.

Tell Pluggy where you're going and we'll build a packing list — weather, the right adapter, eSIM, what to leave at home.

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