The Type H plug and electrical outlet are unique to Israel. The Israel Type H plug is recognizable by its three pins in a triangular formation.
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What is a Type H plug?
The Type H Plug & Socket is a 3 plug socket primarily used in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. It is grounded, has an amp rating of 16 A, voltage range of 220-240 V, and is compatible with plug types C and H. It is unsafely partially compatible with types E and F.
Israel Type H plug features
This earthed 16 amp plug is unique to Israel. It has three 4.5 mm round prongs, measuring 19 mm in length and forming a triangle. The centers of the line and neutral pins are spaced 19 mm apart.
The center-to-center distance between the earth pin and the middle of the imaginary line connecting the two power pins is 9.5 mm.
Type H outlets also accept type C plugs, and this was not the case before 1989 when the Israel power plug still had flat prongs. Power outlets made since 1989 accept both flat and round pin plugs.
The original flat-bladed type H plugs have become obsolete, but they can still occasionally be found. This type H electrical plug is also used in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Strictly speaking, type H sockets are incompatible with type E or type F plugs because the diameter of the Israeli socket contacts is 0.3 mm smaller than the prongs of E/F plugs. However, you can often force such plugs into an Israeli outlet if you push hard. Bear in mind, though, that the appliance will not be earthed and that it is very hard to pull the plug back out!
Type H power plug are among the most dangerous ones in the world: the prongs are not insulated (i.e., the pin shanks do not have a black covering towards the plug body like type C, G, I, L, or N plugs), which means that if a type H plug is pulled halfway out, its prongs are still connected to the socket!
Little children risk electrocuting themselves when pulling such a plug out and putting their fingers around it. Type H outlets are not recessed into the wall, so they do not protect from touching the live pins.
Do Type C plugs work in Israel?
In Israel the power plugs and sockets are of type C and H.
- Type C plug: also known as the standard “Euro” plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
- Type H electrical plug: this type is unique to Israel, but it also works with plug C.
What countries use Type H power plug?
Type H is used exclusively in Israel and Palestine.
Type H plug certificate
Organization: SII
The Israel SI-32 standard 3 prong 16 amp uses the center prong as the ground. Power cords manufactured in compliance with Israeli SI32 standards and SII agency approvals and certifications are available on the product specification page.
We have made a very detailed graphic introduction in the article safety marks for more information about the safety certification of power cord plugs.
Now It’s Your Turn
So that’s how I understand Type H plug and socket.
Now I want to turn it over to you: Through my article, do you understand Type H Plugs and Sockets (Outlets)?
Do you have a different point of view with the power plug type H? Or any other questions?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment below right now.
