Type B
2 flat parallel pins + grounding pin
Voltage
100-127V
Frequency
50/60Hz
Amperage
15A
Grounding
Grounded
Countries
31
About Type B
Type B is the grounded version of Type A. It adds a round grounding pin below the two flat pins. This plug type was invented in 1915 by Harvey Hubbell II and is also known as NEMA 5-15.
Type B Plug & Socket Photos
×
![Type B plug]()
Compatibility
Type B sockets accept both Type A and Type B plugs. The grounding pin on Type B provides additional safety for devices that require it.
Countries Using Type B Plug
31 countries
17 primary
Type B is the grounded version of Type A, dominant in North America. It's the standard in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and commonly found in Japan, Central America, and the Caribbean alongside Type A.
Americas (25)
Asia (5)
Africa (1)
Other Plug Types
Frequently Asked Questions
A Type B plug is a grounded electrical plug with two flat parallel pins and one round grounding pin. It is the standard grounded plug used in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Type B plugs operate at 120V and provide safety grounding for appliances.
A Type B plug has two flat, parallel vertical pins at the top and one round grounding pin below them, forming a triangular arrangement. The grounding pin is slightly longer than the flat pins to ensure ground connection is made first when plugging in.
Type B plugs are used in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and several Central American and Caribbean countries. These are the same countries that use Type A plugs, as Type B is simply the grounded version.
Yes, Japan uses both Type A and Type B plugs, similar to the United States. However, Japanese outlets may be slightly different in pin dimensions, though most American Type B plugs will work in Japan without issues.
Yes, a Type A plug will work perfectly in a Type B socket. The Type B socket has holes for both the two flat pins and the grounding pin, so a Type A plug (which lacks the grounding pin) will fit and function normally, though without grounding protection.
Need an Adapter?
Check our travel guide for tips on choosing the right adapter for your trip.
Travel Guide Browse Countries