Lion City 🦁, Garden City 🎕, and the sunny island 🌞 of Southeast Asia. These are just some of the names Singapore has been known by over the years.
But you know what’s not sunny? My mood when I realise I can’t charge my electrical devices when I arrive at my travel destination 😠
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, it’s essential to make sure you have all the necessary items packed and ready to go. One thing that many travellers forget to consider is the type of power plug 🔌 that is used in their destination country.
There are three types of power plugs In Singapore. This means that if you have electronic devices with plugs that are not compatible with these types of outlets, you will need to bring a travel adapter with you.
In this article, we will discuss what types of plugs are used in Singapore and whether or not you need a travel adapter to use your electronic devices while in the country.
Singapore plug types: Which ones are used here?
Before we go into detail about the different types of power plugs in Singapore, we must first understand why such a difference exists in the first place.
Power plugs are primarily divided into two-pin and three-pin plugs. The third wire is a grounding wire used as an additional layer of protection. It provides an additional path for electricity to flow into the earth to prevent anyone working with the electricity from getting electrocuted in the event of a short circuit.
We do note that not all plugs require a third grounding wire because electrical appliances do not actually need the grounding wire to operate.
So what are ground wires for? Ground wires are for the safety of people – in the event that the electrical wiring is faulty, a live current would not flow through the human body that comes in contact with the electrical appliance. Instead, the current will flow through the ground wire. It provides a low impedance (high current) path.
Appliances that have a metal body, such as refrigerators and washing machines, are more likely to benefit from the added safety of a grounding wire.
1. Type G – Three rectangular pins (13 AMP)
This type of plug is used for electrical appliances with metal bodies, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens. The grounding wire is necessary to ensure that the appliance is safely grounded in the event of a short circuit, reducing the risk of electrocution to the user.
2. Type C – Two round pins (2.5 AMP)
Electronic appliances such as TVs, DVD players, and audio sets typically use this type of plug. Only two pins are used: one for the live wire and one for the neutral wire.
3. Type M – Three round pins (15 AMP)
Type M plugs, which have three prongs, are commonly used for air-conditioners and other high-power appliances in countries such as South Africa, India, and parts of the Middle East.
The third prong, also known as the grounding wire, provides an additional layer of protection against electrical malfunctions and helps to reduce the risk of electrocution.
If you are travelling to a country that uses Type M plugs and has appliances with different types of plugs, you may need to bring a travel adapter to ensure that you can use your appliances safely and efficiently.
Then, one question that you might ask is…
Can you put a two-pin plug in a three-pin socket?
We generally do not recommend inserting a two-pin plug directly into a three-pin socket. Doing so may not provide the necessary protection against electrical malfunctions and could potentially be dangerous.
In Singapore, three-pin sockets are used for appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens. The grounding wire is present for safety purposes.
What is the standard electrical power voltage of wall sockets in Singapore?
In Singapore, the standard electrical power voltage for wall sockets is 230 volts AC (alternating current) at a nominal frequency of 50 Hz with a +/- 6% variation in voltage. This is the same power voltage used in most countries around the world.
Do you need a power voltage converter while in Singapore?
Most electronic devices are designed to work with a wide range of electrical power voltages, so it is not necessary to use a power voltage converter while in Singapore.
However, if you are using a device that is designed for use with a specific voltage, such as a device that is marked “110V only” or “220V only,” you may need to use a voltage converter in order to use the device safely.
Notably, devices such as laptops and smartphones are designed to automatically adjust to the local power voltage. So you may not need to use a voltage converter even if you are using a device that is marked as being for a specific voltage.
If you are unsure whether you need to use a power voltage converter while in Singapore, it is a good idea to consult the manual or other documentation that came with your electronic device. You may also want to contact the manufacturer or a qualified electronics technician for advice.
Do you need a travel power adapter when travelling to Singapore?
If you are travelling to Singapore from a country that uses the British BS 1363 standard plug, you’re good. If your electronic devices use a different type of plug, you will need to use a travel power adapter in order to use them with the outlets in Singapore.
It is a good idea to check the plugs on your electronic devices before you travel and to purchase the appropriate travel power adapters if necessary.
Where can you buy a Singapore power adapter?
You can purchase a Singapore power adapter at electronics stores, travel gear stores, and online retailers. You may also be able to find them at the airport or at some convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cheers. Some known electronic store brands include Best Denki and Courts.
When shopping for a Singapore power adapter, it is important to make sure that you are purchasing a product that is safe and reliable. Look for a product that has been tested to meet safety standards and that comes with a warranty or guarantee. It is also a good idea to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the product.
If you are purchasing a Singapore power adapter online, be sure to check the shipping policies and delivery times to make sure that you will receive the adapter in time for your trip. It is also a good idea to check the return policy in case the adapter does not work as expected or if you have any other issues with it.
Adapting to Singapore’s power sockets isn’t complicated at all!
And there you have it! These are the different types of plugs we use in Singapore. Our electricians at EES have contributed to this guide with their hard work, and we hope you’ve found this guide helpful.
It is important to be aware of the type of electrical plugs and outlets that we use here if you’re planning to visit. Singapore mainly uses the Type G plug – occasionally, you’ll find Type C and Type M plugs. So if you’re visiting from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, or Malaysia, rejoice! We all share the Type G plug.
Oh! And also consider the necessity of a power voltage converter. Though it’s not usually necessary as most devices are designed to work with a wide range of electrical power voltages.
And before you travel, do check the plugs on your electronic devices and purchase the appropriate travel power adapters and voltage converters if necessary.