Type A vs Type C Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility

Type A is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type C is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 2.5A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type A plug fits a Type C socket, and vice versa. Compare this with does a type E plug fit a type F socket.

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Type A power plug and wall socket
Type A
 Type C power plug and wall socket
Type C
Standard NEMA 1-15 CEE 7/16 (Europlug)
Pin Configuration Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide) Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)
Grounding Ungrounded Ungrounded
Pin Count 2 2
Amperage 15A 2.5A
Voltage Range 100-127V 220-240V

Key Differences Between Type A and Type C

Here's how Type A and Type C compare, point by point.

  • Grounding: Both Type A and Type C are ungrounded.
  • Pin Size and Shape: Type A: Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide). Type C: Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart).
  • Application: Type A is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type C is typically used for low-power, double-insulated devices like phone chargers, razors, and small electronics.

Type A and Type C Compatibility

Type A in Type C Sockets: Generally no. A Type A plug (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) does not fit a Type C socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type C vs type E plug.

Type C in Type A Sockets: Generally no. A Type C plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) does not fit a Type A socket (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) without a travel adapter. You might also want type A vs type O plug.

If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type A or Type C travel adapter.

Does a Type A plug fit into a Type C socket?

Generally no. A Type A plug (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) does not fit a Type C socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type A and Type C plugs the same?

No. Type A follows the NEMA 1-15 standard and Type C follows CEE 7/16 (Europlug) — they differ in voltage rating.

Which countries use Type A and Type C plugs?

Type A plugs are used in 61 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas. Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andorra. 17 countries use both, including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bonaire, Cambodia, China.

How can you tell a Type A plug from a Type C plug?

A Type A plug has two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide), and is ungrounded. A Type C plug has two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart), and is ungrounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.