Type A
2 flat parallel pins
Voltage
100-127V
Frequency
50/60Hz
Amperage
15A
Grounding
Ungrounded
Countries
37
About Type A
The Type A plug is one of the most common in North and Central America. It features two flat parallel pins and is ungrounded. The pins are 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide, and spaced 12.7mm apart. Also known as NEMA 1-15.
Type A Plug & Socket Photos
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![Type A plug]()
Compatibility
Type A plugs fit into Type B sockets (which have an additional grounding hole). However, Type A plugs cannot use the grounding feature of Type B outlets.
Countries Using Type A Plug
37 countries
34 primary
Type A is the standard ungrounded plug in North America and Central America. It's the primary plug in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, and is also widely used throughout the Caribbean and parts of South America.
Americas (27)
Asia (9)
Africa (1)
Other Plug Types
Frequently Asked Questions
A Type A plug is an ungrounded electrical plug with two flat parallel pins. It is the standard plug type used primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Type A plugs operate at 120V and are commonly found on small appliances and devices that don't require grounding.
A Type A plug has two flat, parallel vertical pins that are approximately 15mm long and 6mm apart. The pins are rectangular in shape, and the plug has no grounding pin. It's one of the simplest plug designs in use worldwide.
Type A plugs are used in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and several Central American and Caribbean countries. While Japan uses Type A plugs, the pins may be slightly different in size, though most Type A plugs will work in Japanese outlets.
Yes, Type A plugs are fully compatible with Type B sockets. Type B sockets have a third hole for the grounding pin, but Type A plugs with only two flat pins will fit and work perfectly in Type B outlets. However, you will not have grounding protection.
The main difference is that Type A plugs have only two flat parallel pins (ungrounded), while Type B plugs have the same two flat pins plus a third round grounding pin. Both operate at 120V and are used in the same countries, but Type B provides additional safety through grounding.
Yes, the United States uses both Type A and Type B plugs. Type A (ungrounded, 2-pin) is used for devices that don't require grounding, while Type B (grounded, 3-pin) is used for appliances that need earth grounding for safety.
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