Leading Electrical Plug Manufacturers

Electrical plugs are a necessary component of many different types of businesses, including those in the commercial, retail, residential, manufacturing, electronic, automotive, medical, and more sectors. When creating electrical plugs, manufacturers of power cords and other electrical parts must consider various aspects. In the US, male and female plugs must adhere to standards defined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

Electrical Plug Types

Ungrounded plugs with two flat, parallel prongs are known as Type A plugs. These plugs’ current and voltage ratings are 15A and 125V, respectively. The pins' lengths range from 15.9 mm to 18.3 mm, spaced apart by 12.7 mm.

Type A Plugs, Polarized and Non-Polarized

Near the prongs' tips, holes can be found in Type A plugs. The contact wiper's bumps fill the prong holes as the prongs are placed into the outlet. This mechanism enables the plug to be tightly grasped by the outlet and prevents it from slipping out due to the plug's weight. A rod can be put into these holes in some unique sockets to lock the plug when inserted. Additionally, these perforations permit factory sealing.

Plug Type B (NEMA 5-15)

Plugs with a grounded pin are Type B electrical plugs or the North American 3-pin plug. They have a spherical grounding pin and two flat, parallel prongs. A ground connection is established before a connection to the voltage because the ground pin is longer than the hot and neutral pins. The hot and neutral pins have a thickness of 1.5 mm, a length of 15.9–18.3 mm, and a width of 6.3 mm. The ground pin is 3.22 mm longer than the two flat pins and has a diameter of 4.8 mm.

Standard AC Plugs with CEE 7 (Type C, E, F)

"Specification for plugs and socket-outlets for home and similar usage" is CEE Publication No. 7.

The IECEE maintains this standard, which controls the home electrical connectors used in Europe. However, the UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Switzerland, and Italy are the nations that don't use CEE 7 plugs and sockets as their primary power connectors.

(CEE 7/16 and CEE 7/17) Type C Plugs

The electrical plug most commonly used around the world is Type C. It has two spherical pins and is an unpolarized, ungrounded plug. Two varieties of Type C plugs exist:

The Type C plugs that are more often used are called Europlugs. Europlug (7/16 CEE). Europlugs have two pins that are 4 mm in diameter and 19 mm long. The pins are separated by 17.5 mm from the tip and 18.6 mm from the base. They are covered in insulation for 10 mm of their length. The pins' relative flexibility enables them to fit into sockets that accommodate rounded pins with a diameter of 4.0 to 4.8 mm and slots spaced 17.5 to 19 mm apart. However, due to their low current rating of 2.5A, Europlugs can only be used in low-power applications.

Plug for contours (CEE 7/17). Two pins on contour plugs are 4.8 mm in diameter and 19 mm long. The pins are separated by 10 mm. Contour plugs don't have an insulated sleeve like Europlugs do. Electrical plugs operate more safely because of their insulated sleeve. Contour plugs can be utilized with high-energy appliances because of their 10A or 16A rating.

Type E (CEE 7/5)

Two round pins that are 19 mm long, 4.8 mm in diameter, and 19 mm apart make up Type E electrical plugs. It has a 14 mm long and 4.8 mm in diameter female contact or hole that can fit the earthing pin for the socket. The plug pins are just below this contact. Polarity reversal is impossible with Type E plugs due to the asymmetrical pin layout. The current rating for Type E plugs is 16A. They work with Type E and Type F sockets. French plugs are another name for these plugs.

Type F (CEE 7/4)

Electrical plugs of Type F are identical in size to plugs of Type E, except that the pins are not perfectly rounded. Instead of a female earthing contact, however, Type F plugs contain two earthing clips. These clips are situated 16 mm from the center of the imaginary line connecting the pins on the upper and lower sides of the plug housing. When utilized as a large built-in plug, these plugs additionally contain a pair of plastic notches on the left and right edges to increase stability.

Electric Plug Features

• Devices made of specific materials and plated metal parts intended to survive corrosive environments are corrosion-resistant. The ASTM B117-13 Five-Hour Salt Spray (Fog) Test for Corrosion Resistant Devices must be passed with no visible corrosion.
• Devices are made to be dust-proof so that dust won't affect how they work. The IP appropriateness rating identifies the level of defense a device provides against foreign object entry (e.g., IP 20).
• Devices have a power light to show whether they are currently operating. To facilitate a connection in dull or dark work environments, the receptacle may be illuminated.
• Connectors that typically allow for rapid connection and disconnection twist and seal for secure contact. As a result, they can be swiftly unplugged from one system or device and then immediately reconnected to another.

Choosing the Right Electrical Plug Company

To make sure you have the most beneficial outcome when purchasing electrical plugs from an electrical plug company, it is important to compare at least 5 companies using our electrical plug directory. Each electrical plug company has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the company for more information or request a quote. Review each electrical plug company website using our proprietary website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple electrical plug companies with the same message.