Type A Plug 2 pins
NEMA 1-15 (Ungrounded)
The Type A plug has two flat parallel pins in a slim rectangular profile and is ungrounded. It is rated for 100-127 V (50/60 Hz) and is common across North and Central America and in Japan, and the plug will also fit into Type B sockets.
What Does a Type A Plug Look Like?
The Type A plug has two flat parallel pins in-line, forming a slim rectangular profile. It is ungrounded, so there is no earth pin or contact. Recognise it by the two flat metal blades, usually identical in size or one slightly wider for polarity, and the absence of a round earth pin. Typical ratings are 100-127 V and 15 A.
Where Is the Type A Plug Used?
Type A is standard across much of North and Central America and in Japan. Major countries using it include Japan, Mexico, Canada, Peru, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Panama, Bolivia, Barbados and the United States, among others. It also appears as a secondary socket in several South and Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Bangladesh.
Which Plugs Fit a Type A Socket?
Type A sockets accept Type A plugs and, according to compatibility data, will take A and B plugs used in the US, Canada and Japan. Traveller plugs from the UK (Type G), continental Europe (Types C, E and F), Australia/New Zealand (Type I) and India (Types D and C) do not fit a Type A socket without an adapter. Separately, a Type A plug will fit into a Type B socket.
| Travelling from | Your plugs | Fits a Type A socket? |
|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Type A/B | Yes, no adapter |
| UK & Ireland | Type G | No, bring an adapter |
| Europe | Type C/F/E | No, bring an adapter |
| Australia & NZ | Type I | No, bring an adapter |
| India | Type D/C | No, bring an adapter |
| Japan | Type A/B | Yes, no adapter |
Travel Adapters for Type A Sockets
If your devices have Type A or B plugs you probably will not need an adapter in Type A countries. Visitors from the UK, Europe, Australia, India and many other regions will need a plug adapter to fit Type A sockets, either a simple Type A adapter or a compact universal adapter. Remember the local voltage is 100-127 V; many phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage and only need an adapter. Single-voltage appliances may require a voltage converter, and because Type A is ungrounded, earthed appliances will not be earthed.