Type O Electrical Plugs: Designed for Thailand, but Not Yet Widely Used

Used in: Thailand exclusively.

Features:

• Rated for 16 amps.
• Three round prongs: Two power pins (19 mm, insulated) and one grounding pin (21.4 mm).
• Compatible with:
  • Existing hybrid sockets (types A, B, C, and O).
  • Future plan: Phase out compatibility with American types A and B plugs.
• Incompatible with:
  • Type H (Israel), type K (Denmark), type E/F (unsafe connection).

Technical details:

• Pin diameter: 4.8 mm.
• Center-to-center spacing between power pins: 19 mm.
• Grounding pin offset: 11.9 mm from the imaginary line connecting the power pins.

Interesting points:

• Standardization: Introduced in 2006, but all currently available sockets are hybrid versions.
• Reasoning behind new standard unclear: While type F was a logical choice due to safety, compatibility, and existing usage, Thailand opted for type O.
• Future: Phase-out of American plug compatibility planned.

Safety note:

• Only use type O plugs or approved adapters with compatible sockets.
• Avoid using type E/F plugs without a proper adapter as it poses safety risks.