--- title: Meeting Electrical Needs in a Global Marketplace description: Meeting Global Electrical Needs - InfoPower | Interpower image: https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/world-globe575x300.jpg --- [![Interpower Facebook](https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/facebook-button-black.png "Interpower Facebook")](https://www.facebook.com/interpowercorporation) [![Interpower LinkedIn](https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/linkedin-button-black.png "Interpower LinkedIn")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/interpower-corporation) [![Interpower Twitter](https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/twitter-button-black.png "Interpower Twitter")](https://twitter.com/interpowergroup) **PHONE:U.S.** [(641) 673-5000 |](tel:6416735000) **Toll Free:** [(800) 662-2290 |](tel:8006622290) **UK** [+44 (0)1908 295300 |](tel:+4401908295300) **Freephone:**[00800 5566 5566](tel:0080055665566) [![Interpower](https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/IC-white-site-heading.png "Interpower") ![Interpower](https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/mobile-logo.png "Interpower")](http://interpower.com) - 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[Why observe international product safety requirements?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/Why-Observe-International-Product-Safety-Requirements.html) - [Conforming to Local Safety Requirements](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/Conforming-to-Local-Safety-Requirements.html) - [What standards must electronic or electrical equipment meet?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/What-Standards-Must-Electronic-or-Electrical-Equipment-Meet.html) - [European & International Standards Writing Agencies](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/european-international-standards-writing-agencies.html) - [What is the CE Marking?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/What-is-the-CE-Marking.html) - [What is the ENEC Mark?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/What-is-the-ENEC-Mark.html) - [Who enforces international safety standards?](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/who-enforces-international-safety-standards.html) - 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[Commonly Asked Questions](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/commonly-asked-questions.html) - [International Power Source Benefits](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/International-Power-Source-Benefits.html) - [Selecting the Correct Cable for Worldwide Markets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/selecting-the-correct-cable.html) - [Accessory Power](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/webcasts/accessory-power-for-worldwide-markets.html) - [Quality Topics](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/Quality-Topics.html) - [60320 Withdrawal Force](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/60320-Withdrawal-Force.html) - [Abrupt Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Abrupt-Pull-Test.html) - [Hospital-Grade Power Cord](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/HospitalGrade-Powercord.html) - [Cord Flex Tester](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Flex-Tester.html) - [Cord Anchorage Pull Test](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/QualityTopics/Cord-Anchorage-Pull-Test.html) - 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[Heat Shrink Tubing](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/more-information-on-heat-shrink-tubing.html) - [Plugs and Sockets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-info-on-Plugs-and-Sockets.html) - [High Power Pin & Sleeve Devices](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-High-Power-Pin-and-Sleeve-Devices.html) - [Connector Locks](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-information-on-Connector-Locks.html) - [Cable](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Cable.html) - [Odd Sizes in AWG Flexible Cable](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/odd-sizes-in-AWG-flexible-cable.html) - [Strain Reliefs](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Strain-Reliefs-Cable-Glands.html) - [Terminal Blocks](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/in-depth-product-line-information/More-Information-on-Terminal-Blocks.html) - 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[Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Meeting Electrical Needs in a Global Marketplace](https://blog.interpower.com/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/world-globe575x300.jpg) A simple definition of a plug and socket: meeting an electrical need by connecting electrical equipment to a power source without using tools. But as simple as that definition sounds, it needs to be noted that there are numerous plug patterns used throughout the world, making it anything but simple. ## Plug Patterns Today, manufacturers designing for global markets need to be aware that there are many different plug patterns. Because plug patterns vary by country, it’s important to determine which plug pattern is the correct one so that it safely connects to the power source. It is essential to offer products that are easily adapted to the needs of the market of export, without requiring reconstruction by the user. Customers today expect to unpack and start to use a product as is, so knowing the electrical requirements of where the product will be used is crucial. One resource to assist in choosing the correct plug pattern is Interpower’s [Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket Patterns and Power Mains (Single-Phase)](http://www.interpower.com/cgi-bin/ic.cgi/guidelist.p). ## Voltages and Frequencies There are also different voltages and frequencies that come into play, varying in different areas of the world. ### Voltages In many industrialized countries, voltages run on 120V or 230V (except for Japan which uses 100 volts), but voltages can run between 100-250V. Some countries use multiple voltages. ### Frequency North America, part of South America, part of Japan, and a few other countries run on 60Hz. Most of the rest of the world runs on 50Hz. There are some countries that run on both, such as Japan. ![Meeting Electrical Needs in a Global Marketplace](https://blog.interpower.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interpower_March2018/Images/Intro_World_Map1.gif?width=512&height=281&name=Intro_World_Map1.gif) ### Approvals It’s also essential to include the correct plug and socket in the product design in order to follow the specific standard of the country of export. In most countries, approval documentation is needed in order for the final product to be accepted into that country. ## Additional Resources Interpower offers a variety of international and North American plugs and sockets that are designed to meet electrical needs around the world. Resources that can assist in choosing the correct plug pattern include Interpower’s [Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket Patterns](http://www.interpower.com/cgi-bin/ic.cgi/guidelist.p) and on Interpower’s website—[Power Cords and Cord Sets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/international-power-cords.html) and [Plugs and Sockets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/plugs-sockets-connectors.html)web pages**. **See also the Interpower Featured Product pages on [Plugs and Sockets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/featured-product/plugs-and-sockets-feature.html) and [Power Cords and Cord Sets](http://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/featured-product/interpower-cords-cordsets-feature.html). Interpower offers free technical support. For further assistance, please see Interpower’s contact information below. ## Stay In-The-Know with *InfoPower* The monthly *InfoPower* blogs are created to assist you in designing, building, and maintaining products for worldwide markets by providing you with information on topics relevant to power system components. ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic ## [InfoPower Archive](http://www.interpower.com/ic/infopower-archive.html) ### United States 100 Interpower Ave Oskaloosa, IA 52577 | [info@interpower.com](mailto:info@interpower.com) Toll-Free Phone: (800) 662-2290 | Toll-Free Fax: (800) 645-5360 Phone: (641) 673-5000 | Fax: (641) 673-5100 ### United Kingdom 10 Kelvin Drive | Knowlhill, Milton Keynes | Buckinghamshire, MK5 8NH | UK | [uk@interpower.com](mailto:uk@interpower.com) **UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria** Freephone: 00800 5566 5566 | Freefax: 00800 5655 5655 **International:** Phone: +44 (0)1908 295 300 | Fax: +44 (0)1908 295301 © 2026 Interpower. 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