Hardware Orbit Blog

Electromechanical switches are a common element of many industrial operations, supporting telecom, medical, electronic, instrumentation, industrial, audio/visual, appliance, and consumer markets alike with their capabilities. While switches generally perform the role of switching circuits on or off as well as switching between circuits, their exact design and capabilities will generally vary based on their type. DIP switches, or Dual In-Line Package switches, are those that are packaged within small boxes or housings for implementation on printed circuit boards. With a DIP switch, one can ensure that electronic devices are able to receive the range of electrical inputs that they need to function as intended.

We often take plugs and chargers for granted, such technology allowing us to quickly recharge portable electronics such as cell phones, laptops, and other devices with ease as long as there is a plug available. Despite this, not every plug is exactly the same when traveling globally, and things become even more complex when one considers the fact that voltage standards may also vary based on the country one is in. Luckily, there are a number of adapters and converters one may use to ensure compatibility, preventing one from accidentally causing a surge or damaging devices. In this blog, we will discuss plug shapes, voltage values, and adapters, allowing you to have a better understanding of how powering devices may vary across the globe.

As stated before, plug shapes will generally differ based on the country one is in. For instance, countries like the USA use the Type A plug shape where two vertical prongs are provided and the Type B plug shape where two prongs and a single rounded prong are provided. While Japan uses very similar plug shapes as the US, areas in Europe often differ with plugs featuring two round prongs as their plug types include C, E, and F variations. The United Kingdom differs from other European countries, utilizing the Type G plug which can also be found in Singapore, and these plugs utilize two horizontally laid flat prongs and one vertical prong. As there are a wide variety of plug types that range from Type A to Type N plugs, it is important that you research the area that you may be traveling to beforehand so that you are better prepared for what plugs and/or chargers you may need for your electrical devices.