Household power cord plugs may seem simple, but standards vary across different countries and regions. The most common plug types worldwide include: the American Type A/B (two flat parallel pins or with a round grounding pin), the European Type C/F (two round pins, with or without grounding clips), the British Type G (three rectangular pins with a built-in fuse), and the Australian Type I (two flat slanted pins plus a grounding pin). In China, the Australian Type I is mainly used (though the voltage is 220V), along with the two-round-pin European Type C plug (without grounding).

Power cord plugs can also be classified by function into non-rewireable and rewireable types. Non-rewireable plugs are molded together with the power cord as a single unit, offering good sealing and low cost, and are widely used in household appliances. Rewireable plugs allow users to replace the cord themselves and are commonly used in industrial sockets or DIY scenarios. In addition, there are special plugs with switches, indicator lights, or ground fault protection. Understanding plug types helps consumers select the right appliances, obtain the appropriate adapters, and avoid usage issues or safety hazards caused by plug mismatches.