Plug, Socket and Electricity – the Ultimate Guide to India Voltage

Travelling to India anytime soon? All set with your packing? Is your backpack full of cameras, lenses, chargers, music player, and other gadgets? Then you must read this blog – we suggest you to get it printed and keep it handy for further use once you land here in India.

Why the Confusion about Chargers, Plug Adopters, and Plug Points?

The foremost reason why we need to write this blog and why need to read it is that the plug shape, voltage input, frequencies and other details of electricity might differ (will obviously do) from what you might be using back in your country.

It is common for many to plug-in their devices at any socket anywhere in the world, becausethey assume the gadgets do support multiple voltages. But please hold on. To be on the safer side, it is suggested to ensure before you plug in your luxurious and favourite gizmo. Who knows you might end up bursting or at least frying it by mistake!

How Are Plug Shapes in India Different from Those in US and UK?

It is a universal fact that the plug shapes do vary from country to country. So do the structure of prongs on your plug.

In the USA, Type A plug is used which has two vertical prongs.

Type B is also used widely which is almost same with a single rounded prong. This type is mostly used in Japan, while the same thing with two round prongs is used in most of the parts of Europe. There are few subtle differences – as seen in types C, E, and F.

To focus on India’s plug points, nearly all two-pronged plugs used here are Type C. However, larger devices come with a three-pin Type-D (mostly used on the subcontinent), or the 15A Type-M.

Plug Sockets Used in India – at a Glance

In India, the most common plug types used are types C, D and M.

Plug C – The plug has two round pins

Plug D – The plug with three round pins in triangular pattern

Plug M – The pug with three round pins same as type D, used for larger appliances

Indian Voltage: 220V

If you thought you are all sorted out because you have the plug socket list in your hand, wait and breathe. Because there’s much more. Just because your device's plug fits into the socket doesn't mean that you can power it up just anywhere. Aside from different shapes of sockets, different countries around the world do have different standards for electricity delivery. Zeroing in to India, the standard Indian Voltage Use is 220V. Comparing the same with other countries, China has the same voltage use, while is the US it is 120V. Places like the UK, Australia, and Singapore, EU is on 220v-230V, and that in Japan it is 100V outlets.

Adaptors

There are two types of adaptors in India – one that compensates for the shape of the socket, and the other is voltage converter, that adjusts the voltage. It depends on your particular gadget, if it does require the first one or the latter.

Do check if your gadget(s) can be safely plugged in the first type of adaptor. The price difference between the two is quite significant and if you gizmo supports the same, why to waste money on a voltage converter.

Indian Voltage Converters and Transformers

Electricity supplies differ worldwide from anything between 100V and 240V. Hence, it is dangerous (to say the least) to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply. Here comes the requirement of Indian voltage converters and transformers.

Most of the voltage converters as well as transformers come with inbuilt plug adopters, and hence you need not invest in a separate travel adaptor. Also, it is extremely important to check and confirm that your appliance don’t exceed the maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS).

Tips for tech lovers travelling to India:

Don’t carry every single gadget that you own

It goes without saying that for a tech lover, or a photography freak for instance, you might get confused which ones to carry and which ones to leave at home. While shortlisting your gadget must be a daunting task, take time and enough of research mainly on the gadgets’ compatibility with Indian voltage to ensure their safety.

Mark the free Wi-Fi spots

Internet is the prime thing you need to stay connected. While you can get a SIM card during your stay in India, make sure to look out for spots where you can get free Wi-Fi. However, at the same time, don’t forget to check if the Wi-Fi is secured and safe to use.

Backup charger and power bank

It is not too difficult to find sockets to put your gadget on charge while in India. However, various gadgets might require different plug shapes, sockets and adapters. So, the best thing to do is to carry a backup charger, better even to get a power bank with you.

Read reviews on forums and travel sites to explore India

Relying on forums and information shared by other travellers (read tech loving travellers) will make it easier for you to deal with the electricity related queries. You can also get ideas where to get gadget repair help from, just in case.

Sealable waterproof and weatherproof bags

This is very important. If you are planning to visit in India during extreme weather conditions, especially during monsoons, make sure to take care of your gadgets. Sealable weatherproof bags are the best ones to get.

Cloud storage must be the bull’s eye to store your stuffs

Cloud storage has been effective for the masses and is a blessing for people who love to travel more often. This is because they can store all of their memories in the cloud storage provided. That plainly rules out the requirement to carry extra storage devices.

Ensure extreme up-to-date security on your devices

Last, but certainly not the least, make it a point to use passwords on your devices, and use a tracker, if possible. Along with this, you should make sure that your gadgets are all safe – while using as well as while charging the same.

These are the few things to note and remember. Over to you now...enjoy your trip to India with a bag full of gizmos!