- Voltage:
- The standard mains voltage in Pakistan is 230 Volts (V).
- While the nominal standard is 230V, it’s common to encounter fluctuations, and voltages in the range of 220V to 240V are generally acceptable for most modern appliances. Significant deviations outside this range can occur.
- Frequency:
- The standard frequency is 50 Hertz (Hz).
- This is consistent with most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, but different from North America and parts of Japan (which use 60 Hz).
- Plug and Socket Type:
- The primary standard for plugs and sockets in Pakistan is BS 1363, commonly known as the British Standard or Type G plug.
- Key Features of BS 1363 (Type G):
- Three Rectangular Pins: The plug has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.
- Live and Neutral Pins: The two larger pins are for Live (Line) and Neutral. They are approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) long, 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) wide, and spaced 3/4 inch (19 mm) apart horizontally.
- Earth (Ground) Pin: A longer, thicker Earth (Ground) pin (approx. 9 mm x 7 mm) is located above and midway between the Live and Neutral pins. This pin operates the safety shutters on the socket.
- Fused: BS 1363 plugs almost always contain a fuse (typically 3A or 13A) inside the plug body. This is a critical safety feature of the standard.
- Shuttered Sockets: Sockets have safety shutters covering the Live and Neutral holes. These shutters only open when the longer Earth pin is inserted first.
- Polarized: The plug is polarized, meaning Live and Neutral connections are fixed.
- Other Plug Types (Legacy/Import):
- Older installations might sometimes still have BS 546 sockets (round pins, Type D & M). Type D (5A) is less common now, while Type M (15A) might occasionally be found for heavier appliances like air conditioners, though BS 1363 is increasingly used even for these.
- Plugs from Europe (Type C, two round pins) or other regions are not compatible with the standard BS 1363 sockets. Using them requires an adapter.
- Safety Considerations:
- Due to voltage fluctuations and potential instability in the grid, using a surge protector is highly recommended for sensitive electronics.
- Ensure any adapter used for a non-BS 1363 plug includes the necessary fuse and provides a proper earth connection if the appliance requires it. Cheap, unfused adapters can be a safety hazard.
- Always check the voltage rating (220-240V, 50Hz) on your appliance before plugging it in.
In Summary:
Pakistan uses 230V, 50Hz electricity with the BS 1363 (Type G) plug and socket system as its primary standard. This three-pin, rectangular plug incorporates a fuse for safety and requires specific adapters for devices using plugs from most other regions of the world. Travelers and importers should ensure their devices are compatible or have the correct fused adapter.
Post time: Jun-10-2025