American Samoa Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In American Samoa, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type A (NEMA 1-15, two flat parallel pins, ungrounded), Type B (NEMA 5-15, two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin, grounded), Type F (CEE 7/4 (Schuko), two round pins with grounding clips on sides, grounded) and Type I (AS/NZS 3112, two angled flat pins plus vertical grounding pin, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 120V and 60Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to American Samoa.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
American Samoa uses:
What Plug Type Does American Samoa Use?
The American Samoa power plug follows the same standard as the United States, since the territory uses identical electrical infrastructure. Travelers will encounter two plug types in homes, hotels, and businesses: Type A and Type B. Both are part of the broader family of AC power plugs and sockets used across North America, and they are designed for the same 120V, 60Hz electrical system found throughout American Samoa.
Type A is the ungrounded, two-pin NEMA 1-15 plug with two flat parallel pins, commonly used for small electronics, phone chargers, and lamps that don't require grounding. Type B is the grounded equivalent, a 3-pin plug (NEMA 5-15) that adds a rounded grounding pin alongside the two flat blades, and it's the standard choice for larger appliances, computers, and power tools that require a safety ground connection.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
The grounding pin on a Type B plug is slightly longer than the two flat power pins, ensuring the ground connection is made before electricity flows to the device. This design offers protection against electrical faults and is required for kitchen appliances, bathroom outlets, and outdoor equipment. Type B outlets in American Samoa are backward compatible, meaning they accept both ungrounded Type A plugs and grounded Type B plugs without any issue.
Voltage and Frequency in American Samoa
American Samoa operates on a 120V supply at 60Hz, matching the electrical standard used across the United States and its territories. This is important for travelers bringing devices from countries with 220-240V systems, since plugging in dual-voltage-incompatible equipment could cause damage. Most modern electronics, however, are built to handle a range of voltages safely.
American Samoa Travel Adapter Guide
Visitors arriving from countries that use Type F (Schuko), Type I, or other non-American plug standards will need a travel adapter to physically fit their devices into American Samoa's Type A and Type B outlets. The adapter only changes the plug shape; it does not convert voltage, so travelers from 220-240V regions should also check whether their devices support 100-127V operation.
- Travelers from the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand will need a plug adapter for Type A or Type B outlets.
- Travelers from the USA, Canada, and other Type A/B countries will not need an adapter.
- Check that laptops, phone chargers, and camera batteries are rated for 100-127V before plugging in.
- Pack a grounded (Type B) adapter if traveling with laptops, hair dryers, or other higher-power devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll need a travel adapter if your home country uses a different plug standard, such as Type F or Type I. Travelers from the USA, Canada, or other Type A/B countries can use their existing plugs without an adapter.
American Samoa uses Type A (NEMA 1-15) ungrounded plugs and Type B (NEMA 5-15) grounded plugs, the same standards used throughout the United States. Type B outlets also accept Type A plugs, offering flexibility for various devices.
American Samoa runs on a 120V electrical supply at 60Hz frequency. This matches the standard used across the United States and its territories.
Most phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle American Samoa's 120V, 60Hz supply without a converter. You'll only need a plug adapter if your charger's plug doesn't match the Type A or Type B outlets used locally.
