Plugs and sockets in China
Before packing for your China tour, it is necessary to understand the electricity in China, its plugs and socket system as well.
Electricity in China
Basically there are two main standards for voltage and frequency in the world. One is the standard of 120 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz, and the other is the standard of 220–240 volts at 50 Hz. China uses generally 220V, 50HZ, AC (Hong Kong is 200V; Taiwan is 110V).
Converters
If you are from the countries where the standard of 110-120 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz is available, you need to have converters for your electric devices while traveling in China. A converter is a very large implement that converts the input from 220V to 110V or 120V for your device. Most laptops have converters. For small electric devices like hair dryer, electric shaver, it is advisable for you to buy a converter in China or use a free adapter in the hotel.
Plugs and Sockets
At present, there is no global standard for plugs and sockets. Traditionally the plugs and sockets are classified into several regional standards in the world like American standard, European standard, British standard, South African standard and Chinese standard.
The standard for Chinese plugs and sockets is set out in GB 2099.1–2008 and GB 1002–2008. Chinese plugs and sockets are similar to those in Australia.
A Chinese plug may fit loosely in an Australian socket, but thick pins of an Australian plug may not fit easily in a Chinese socket. In China, the sockets are installed upside-down compared to Austrlian ones.
A standard socket in China has two pins on the upper part and earthed three pins on the lower part. You may buy a portable plug adaptor at your home country or here in China. Most of your hotels in China offer free use of plug adaptors.
Chinese Standard Socket - Two Pins and Three Pins
A portable socket
A three-prong Plug
A two-prong plug
Plugs and Sockets in use
Sockets and plugs in use
