Type A vs Type C Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type A vs Type C plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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 packing an adapter for a trip that has both type C and type D sockets.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type A	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 E vs type I 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 how does the amperage rating of a type A plug compare to a type F 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.

Type A vs Type C plug comparison: Type A and Type C wall sockets and plugs side by side, with the verdict and which way each plug fits, a specification table, key differences and how to tell them apart. Verdict: Not Compatible. — Type A vs Type C Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

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 United States of America, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand. Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia. 17 countries use both, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia.

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. Compare this with type E versus type F plug shape and socket design compared.