Type of Mains Plugs Suitable for use in Singapore
Type of Mains Plugs Suitable for use in Singapore
Some countries that use the same type of mains plugs as Singapore include Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia or the UK. However, there are countries that use other types of mains plugs that may not be suitable for use in Singapore. It is important to ensure that the correct plug is used with a local wall socket to avoid hazards such as fires and electrocution.
Types of mains plugs suitable for use in Singapore
13-ampere (A) 3-pin fused mains plug (or Type G plug) – This is suitable for most electrical appliances in Singapore, but particularly important for those with metal bodies, such as refrigerators, washing machines and microwave ovens. Appliances with metal bodies should be grounded through the plug’s earthing pin to reduce the risk of electrocution to the user in the event of a short circuit.
15A 3 round-pin mains plug (or Type M plug) – This is generally used by energy-intensive appliances such as air-conditioners which require more electrical current than the standard 13A Type G plug can safely provide. Take note that the installation of corresponding 15A Type M socket outlets should only be carried out by qualified electrical workers.
When purchasing mains-powered electrical appliances for use in Singapore, the Consumer Product Safety Office recommends looking out for those with 13A Type G plugs for most electrical appliances. For more energy-intensive electrical appliances that require higher power consumption, consumers should check with the supplier on whether the 15A Type M plug is required, and if so, what are the associated installation requirements.
In addition, 13A and 15A mains plugs are controlled goods under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations. They must be affixed with the SAFETY Mark which carries a unique certification number traceable to the supplier. Consumers should always ensure that their appliances’ 3-pin mains plug carries a SAFETY Mark.
2.5A 2 round-pin mains plug (or Type C plug) – This is generally used for low-power appliances (e.g., TV, DVD, and audio sets) that are designed with internal safety features, such as double insulation, that provide sufficient protection against leakage current. Such appliances do not rely on the ‘Earth’ wire for protection from a short circuit and only 2 pins are needed – one for the ‘Live’ wire and the other for the ‘Neutral’ wire.
Consumers should use suitable adaptors (e.g. fused conversion plugs) to safely connect 2.5A 2-pin plugs to 3-pin mains socket outlets. Do not force the 2-pin plug into a 3-pin socket without a proper adaptor.
Caution: Schuko plugs
Some appliances are fitted with mains plugs meant for the German market. These are rated at 10A/16A and known as Schuko plugs (see image). This type of mains plug is not suitable for use in Singapore. The dimension of the round pins will stress the contacts of the mains socket outlet, subsequently leading to poor contact and overheating.
Furthermore, while Schuko plugs may come with earthing strips located on their sides, they are not safe for use in Singapore as the earthing strips cannot make contact with the earth contact of a local mains socket.
Examples of suitable mains plugs
From left to right: 2.5A round pin, 13A rectangular pin, 15A round pin
Examples of not suitable mains plugs
From left to right: Flat-blade plug, Schuko plug with side grounding contact, Schuko plug with side grounding contact, 10A/16A round pin, Flat-blade but with round grounding pin, Flat-blade but with round grounding pin