Type N
The Brazilian
"The newest plug standard in the world. Still finding its footing."
Type N is the closest thing the world has to a genuinely designed-from-scratch universal plug. The IEC published the standard (IEC 60906-1) in 1986, hoping the world would adopt it.
Brazil made it mandatory in 2011. South Africa adopted a near-identical version. Everyone else is still thinking about it.
Things to know
- Two sizes in Brazil. 10 A and 20 A, with different pin thicknesses.
- Europlugs fit, which is lucky for visitors.
- Voltage roulette. Brazil uses 127 V in some states and 220 V in others, and sometimes both in the same building. Read the label on the socket.
Plugbert's verdict
The ambitious younger cousin. If only the rest of the world had listened.