Japan Power Plug Standards

15A/100–110V/50Hz and 60HZ

The Japanese plug and socket, on first glance, is identical to the North American NEMA 5-15 standard. However, the Japanese system, which is specified in JIS 8303, incorporates tighter dimensional requirements, different marking requirements and mandatory testing and approval by a Japanese testing agency. The cords have a maximum output rating of 15A/125VAC. The cable must meet JIS C3306. Japanese wire sizes and current ratings are different than those used elsewhere in the world.

Japanese mains frequently do not provide for grounding; grounding is made to the wall socket by use of an adapter. As a result, Class I grounded sockets are used less frequently in Japan than in the U.S. Most appliances sold in Japan use a Class II, ungrounded plug. Class I grounded appliances should be sold with a ground wire adapter, 86589030 and a grounding adapter, 88100011.

DENAN is a mandatory national law administered by Japan's METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), which was formerly called the Electrical Applicance and Material Control Law ("DENTORI").For power cords and cordsets exported to Japan, the DENAN "<PSE>" approval is required for plug and connector. For products already approved under the former law DENTORI, production of T-marked products can be continued until the expiration date of the "DENTORI" approval. DENAN specified products with DENTORI "T-marking" will not be allowed in Japan after March 31, 2011.

Note: Japan has both 50Hz and 60Hz generating systems (See map for guide).