What's the difference between an adapter and a converter?

An adapter changes the shape of your plug so it fits the wall. That's it. A converter (or transformer) changes the voltage. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) handle 100–240V on their own, so they only need an adapter. Hair dryers and kettles usually need a converter — or, honestly, just leave them at home.

How do I know if my device is dual voltage?

Look at the tiny print on the charger or power brick. If it says "INPUT: 100–240V", you're golden. If it says "120V" or "230V" only, it's single voltage. Plugbert's Label Decoder can read it for you.

Why are there so many plug types?

Because every country electrified at a different time in the 1900s, and nobody wanted to rip out their walls to agree with the neighbours. The result: 15 officially recognised types, A through O. Plugbert loves them all equally. (He doesn't. Type G stepped on his foot once.)

Is Plugbert an electrician?

No. Plugbert is a plug. The data comes from official sources and is checked carefully, but buildings vary — especially old hotels. When in doubt, read the label on the device and the socket.

plugbert

Every country · Every plug · Zero electrocution

Will my plug work there?

Hi, I'm Plugbert. Tell me where you live and where you're going, and I'll tell you which adapter to pack and whether your hair dryer is about to become a smoke machine.

Meet the family

There are 15 official plug types, lettered A to O. They do not get along.

Type AThe American Two-Prong Type BThe American Three-Prong Type CThe Europlug Type DThe Old British Type EThe French Type FThe Schuko Type GThe British Type HThe Israeli Type IThe Aussie Type JThe Swiss Type KThe Danish Type LThe Italian Type MThe Big South African Type NThe Brazilian Type OThe Thai

Plugbert's other talents

Trip kit builder

Going to five countries? Plugbert works out the fewest adapters you need to pack. Your suitcase will thank you.

What plug is this?

Staring at a mystery socket in a hotel room? Answer three or four questions and Plugbert will name it.

Label decoder

Paste or type the tiny text on your charger. Plugbert translates "INPUT: 100-240V~ 50/60Hz 1.5A" into plain English.

Plug quiz

Can you tell a Type J from a Type N? Prove it. Plugbert is keeping score.

Field notes

Plugbert's travel writing. Mostly about sockets.

HistorySep 28, 2026

Why does the world have 15 plug types?

A brief, mostly true history of how humanity failed to agree on holes in walls.

Cautionary taleSep 20, 2026

The hair dryer incident (a tragedy in 230 volts)

A short story about an American hair dryer, a Parisian hotel, and the smell of regret.

EssentialsSep 12, 2026

Adapters vs converters, explained by a plug

One changes the shape. One changes the voltage. Mixing them up is how hair dryers die.