Puerto Rico Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Puerto Rico, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type A (NEMA 1-15, two flat parallel pins, ungrounded) and Type B (NEMA 5-15, two flat parallel pins plus round 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 Puerto Rico.
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Puerto Rico uses:
Understanding Puerto Rico's Power Plugs and Sockets
If you're planning a trip to the island, the Puerto Rico power plug setup will look immediately familiar to anyone coming from the United States. Puerto Rico uses the same electrical system as the U.S. mainland, relying on Type A and Type B plugs to deliver 120V power at 60Hz. Most visitors from North America won't need any adapter at all, while travelers from countries with different socket-outlet designs will want to pack one before arrival.
Do All Sockets in Puerto Rico Look the Same?
Not every outlet on the island is identical. Some sockets are built only to accept the two flat parallel pins of a Type A plug, while others are designed for the grounded Type B plug, which adds a rounded grounding pin alongside the two flat blades. Because Type B outlets are backward compatible, a socket wired for a 3-pin plug will also accept an ungrounded Type A plug, but the reverse isn't true — a Type B plug won't fit into a basic two-pin Type A socket.
- Type A (NEMA 1-15): two flat parallel pins, 15.9mm apart, ungrounded, rated 15A at 100-127V — used for small electronics, lamps, and chargers.
- Type B (NEMA 5-15): two flat parallel pins plus a 4.8mm round grounding pin, rated 15A at 100-127V — required for larger appliances, computers, and power tools.
Electrical Standards in Puerto Rico: Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
Puerto Rico's electrical standards mirror those used throughout much of North and Central America, with AC power plugs and sockets delivering 120 volts at 60Hz across homes, hotels, and commercial buildings. This consistency means devices designed for the U.S. market generally work without modification, since the same NEMA 1-15 and NEMA 5-15 standards apply on the island.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
For travelers arriving from the United States, Canada, or other 120V countries, a voltage converter is unnecessary in Puerto Rico since the voltage and frequency match what their devices already expect. Visitors coming from regions that run on higher voltage systems should check each device's voltage rating before plugging in, as Puerto Rico's outlets are fixed at 100-127V and cannot be adjusted.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your devices already use Type A or Type B plugs, you won't need a travel adapter in Puerto Rico, since these are the only plug types used on the island. Travelers from countries using different plug shapes will need an adapter to fit Puerto Rico's Type A or Type B sockets.
Yes, most phone chargers are built to handle a range of voltages, so charging in Puerto Rico's 120V, 60Hz system typically requires no voltage converter. Just make sure your charger's plug matches the Type A or Type B outlets used locally.
Puerto Rico uses both grounded and ungrounded sockets. Type A outlets are ungrounded and accept two-pin plugs, while Type B outlets include a round grounding pin for added safety with larger appliances and electronics.
Puerto Rico operates on a 120V electrical system at a frequency of 60Hz, matching the standard used throughout the United States. Devices rated for 100-127V will work without any voltage adjustment.
