Power plug in Ireland: Is it the same as in the rest of Europe?

Power plug in Ireland: Is it the same as in the rest of Europe?

Happy Wayfarer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There is a common misconception amongst travelers, especially those from the U.S. that the power plug in Ireland is the same as the one used in Europe. Often known as a Euro-plug, the power-plug type in Europe is Type C.

However, the power plug type used in Ireland is type G. Type G power outlets with three square prongs are standard across the United Kingdom, including Ireland. The standard voltage and frequency in Ireland are 230 volts and 50 hertz. You’ll need an adaptor to use your devices in Ireland because the voltage is different from what you’re used to in the US, which utilizes 120 volts.

Good news! If you’re planning on visiting other parts of the UK, you can use the same adapter in Ireland as you would elsewhere in the UK.

What are the Different Types of Power Adapters?

There are not one but myriad different types of power adapters and plugs used variantly in different parts of the world. Here is a brief overview of the different types of power adapters:

Type A and Type B

North and Central America, and Japan, are the primary regions where Type A is currently in use (among others)

Most commonly found in North and Central America, as well as Japan, is the two-prong power outlet type A, which features two flat parallel prongs.

There are two flat prongs in the Japanese connector, but there is only one bigger prong in the US plug. Using Japanese plugs in the US is not a problem, but the reverse is not always the case. Type A (and B) plugs include holes at the tips of the prongs to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket.

In North America and Japan, type B is the standard plug, but it is used less frequently in Japan since the Japanese plug and sockets differ slightly from their American counterparts.

Type C

There are two round prongs on a Type C power outlet, making it the most widely used international plug. Type C plugs are popular, but type C sockets aren’t. Type C sockets are ‘ungrounded,’ and as a result of this safety hazard, they are now outlawed in the United States. Except for the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, it is used in all European countries.

Type D

Three huge round prongs form a triangular pattern on the Type D power outlet, which is rated at 5 amps. This outlet, along with Type A and B, is among the most hazardous in the world due to the fact that it has no insulation between the prongs. It is popular in several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Namibia.

Type E

Unlike the type C plug, the type E socket contains a ‘earth pin’ that is inserted into a slot on the plug and connects to the socket’s ‘earth wire.’ France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Tunisia, and Morocco are the primary countries where it is used.

Type F

The ‘Schuko plug,’ an acronym of the German word ‘Schutzkontakt,’ which translates as ‘protection contact,’ was invented in Germany shortly after World War I. Although it looks like a type C plug with two additional earth clips on the side, it generally fits neatly into the socket above. There are numerous countries where it is utilized (as well as Eastern Europe and Western Europe), such as Germany and Austria.

Type G

Type G plugs are the safest in the world, but have been referred to as ‘hulking’, ‘cumbersome’, and ‘bigger than the appliance they’re connected to’ because of its three rectangular prongs that form a triangle.

Type H

As with plug B, the type H plug has two flat prongs that create a “V” shape rather than parallel, and an earth pin. The holes of the plugs were made circular in order to fit type C and other plug types, however this was done only in the 1980s. Type H plugs, like the others, can be dangerous since they lack insulation, which protects against electrocution. It is also utilized in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Type I

An ungrounded version of the plug is also available, which has only two flat V-shaped prongs. Type I power outlets include three pins, two flat prongs and an earth pin that form a V shape. The type I plug is compatible with the sockets found across mainland China, despite some slight variations.

Other types of power plugs:

The other types of power plugs are Type J, K, L, M, N.

Do you need a Voltage Converter in Ireland?

Which region your electrical gadgets come from and where you want to use them will have an impact on whether you need a voltage converter or not.

  • A converter is unnecessary if the voltages of both your home country and your destination are close enough to avoid a need for one. There are a wide variety of voltages that can be handled by modern electrical devices. It’s a good idea to check the voltage capacity of the item you intend to plug into the power supply in the instruction manual or even on the product itself. A simple power point adaptor may be all you need if it states something like, “100-240V” (and perhaps 50/60 Hz as well).
  • The majority of electrical goods can operate on voltages ranging from 110 to 240 volts, and some even contain a switch to allow them to do so. Because of the lower voltage, it will take more time to charge an Australian camera charger (which uses 240 volts) when connected to a US outlet (which uses 110 volts). As long as you’re using a travel adaptor, this should not harm anything you connect into the wall.
  • If you bring a 120-volt American or Canadian appliance to Europe, Australia, or New Zealand and plug it into a 220-240-volt outlet, you run the risk of damaging or even blowing the device. With hairdryers and straighteners, this is a common issue. A voltage converter is necessary if you need to use a power adaptor from another country.
  • Alternatively, if your budget permits it or if you plan to stay in the nation for an extended amount of time, you can purchase the appliances you require when you arrive.

Why Do Different Countries Have Different Power Plugs?

Over the past 140 years, thousands of individuals have worked tirelessly to build systems that bring power to households around the world. These people are just getting started. Approximately 750 million people – or one in every ten people – around the world do not have access to reliable energy at all. 90% of people don’t use any of the 15 various types of residential electrical outlet plugs around the world.

It’s important to grasp how a plug works in order to comprehend why outlets aren’t the same. When it comes to electrical outlets in the United States, the “hot” side is the one on the right and the “neutral” side is on the left. Electric current can travel across a circuit and illuminate the lamp when you plug it in and turn it on. The “hot” side of the current is returned to the “neutral” side through the lamp.

The “ground” is the outlet’s third and final opening. As a precaution, it protects you from electric shock in the event that a plug or a wire becomes loose. In the event that an electric current escapes from the wires ordinarily responsible for carrying it, a unique set of wires directs it to a rod buried deep in the ground, which is why this feature is known as “grounding.”

Electrical systems generate a pressure known as voltage in order to move current through the wires. The pressure rises in direct proportion to the amplitude of the electrical signal. It’s like a trickle, a stream, or a flow that’s so quick it knocks you flat on your face.

Ancient Power Grid Structure

Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nikola Tesla established 110 volts as the voltage transmitted to homes when they developed the world’s first modern transmission grid in the United States in the 1880s. Lights, for example, functioned best at 110 volts because it was the standard voltage at the time. Even if the voltages on our system tend to be a little higher, this is still the standard in the United States.

After the grids were built in other nations, they worked to improve them. Europe’s companies recognised they could save money by using 220 volts instead of 110 volts to offer electricity to customers. Electric businesses can produce the same amount of power with a smaller amount of current while operating at a higher voltage. Think of a narrow stream moving fast versus a wider stream moving slowly. Moreover, lower currents allow for thinner cables, which are more efficient. Higher voltage could save money by reducing the amount of copper needed to make electric cables.

One of the first plug innovations was the introduction of round pins. People believed they improved the fit of the plug in the socket.

When plugs were first introduced in the United States, there were simply two tabs and no ground pin. During the 1920s, engineers came up with the idea of a ground pin in order to make plugs more secure. These grounded plugs quickly became popular in many nations, although they weren’t always made the norm. While similar connectors were used in some appliances in the United States, they weren’t widely used until 1971.

These advancements led to a shift in the plugs used in different nations over time, as countries adopted them at different times.

Adopting a single global standard for plugs would be more convenient than having a variety of plugs in different countries. Countries who don’t already utilize this standard would have to spend billions of dollars changing their outlets, building structures, and even the manufacturing of certain equipment. It’s not unexpected that these countries would rather spend their money on other things.

A worldwide norm may be supported by countries, but no one wants to change their own. So, if you’re planning a trip in the near future, don’t forget to bring your adapters.

5 Best Power Adapters When Traveling to Ireland

Here are the best 5 power adapters, including universal power adapters, that can come handy when you are packing your bags for Ireland:

1.   Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

A travel adapter can help you charge your electrical devices while you’re on the road, whether it’s a short trip across the pond or a world-wide journey. There are more than 160 countries in which the Epicka Universal USB Travel Power Adapter can be used. Designed to accommodate a wide range of plugs, it is universally compatible. Five devices can be simultaneously charged thanks to the front-mounted USB ports.

In order to provide speedier charging for tablets, cameras, and cell phones, the first set of USB ports uses 2.4A of power, while the second and third sets of connectors use 2.1A of power, respectively. Our reviewer didn’t have to bring as much as he thought because of the adapter’s many uses.

The Epicka, like many universal adapters, is built for 110 volt devices, hence it is not suggested for high-powered appliances like hair dryers or flat irons.

2.   Conair Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter

The Conair Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter with USB Port is a must-have travel accessory since it works effectively, charges multiple devices at once, and is reasonably priced.

You can charge up to four devices simultaneously with the all-in-one universal adapter, which is ideal for families or people traveling in groups.

A built-in surge protector ensures that iPads, smartphones, tablets, and other electrical devices may be charged safely. Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand as well as the Caribbean and Europe are all covered by the charge.

3.   Nevanga Travel Adaptor

A universal travel adaptor is one of the most essential devices to have when traveling abroad. The Newvanga Travel Adapter is designed to function with five various types of input plugs all in a single adapter, which supports worldwide charging in more than 150 countries.

Both ports can charge almost any USB device, including Android and iOS devices, as well as a wide range of other USB-enabled devices.

There is no voltage or current conversion in the Newvanga, which accepts input from any available power outlet in the range of 100 to 240 volts at 6 amps total for charging. As a result of its diminutive dimensions and light weight, this travel adapter fits easily into any bag or carry-on.

4.   Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter Set

This kit from Ceptics International is ideal if you’re short on bag space. It provides a selection of adapters for specific countries or regions, such as Europe or Australia. You’ll save time and money if you only bring the adapter for the country you’re going to.

When traveling to multiple countries, a universal adapter may be the best option. To keep the five pieces organized, the package includes a convenient pouch. Most countries are represented in the set’s many components.

It may be used to charge cell phones, tablets, and digital cameras. Because these adapters don’t convert voltage, high-voltage appliances like hair dryers and curling irons are out of the question.

5.   Bonazza All-in-One World Travel Plug

High-powered electronic equipment requires a voltage converter when traveling outside of the United States, which can be a bit of a hassle. Thanks to products like the Bonazza All-in-One Adapter and Converter, visiting more than 150 countries around the world is now a breeze. It’s nice to know that you won’t have to worry about a blown fuse when using high-powered appliances like a hairdryer with this all-in-one solution.

This adaptor converter set can be used with a variety of household appliances in addition to hair dryers, such as iPhones, computers, and straighteners. Only US plugs are accepted as input on the Bonazza; international plugs are not. It’s also a lightweight option, weighing in at only 7.2 ounces and measuring only three inches long. The reviewer was pleased with the small size and the accompanying travel pouch.

In spite of its small size and low weight, you may find yourself wishing there were more charging ports on the Bonazza adaptor. Fortunately, the Bonazza adapter’s lightweight and small form is its greatest asset.

With the provided travel pouch, it’s easy to keep the adapter clean, which is always a consideration when packing accessories. The Bonazza also converts voltage, which is not always the case with other travel adapters. This portable adaptor has no additional cords or plugs, making it simple to use. Plug it into an outlet by pressing the slider for the type of plug you require.


Posted

in

by

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *