Type A vs Type G Plugs: Grounding & Voltage Differences & Compatibility
Type A is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type G is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 13A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in grounding, voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type A plug fits a Type G socket, and vice versa. You might also want does a type D plug fit a type M socket.
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Type A
|
Type G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | NEMA 1-15 | BS 1363 |
| Pin Configuration | Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide) | Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm) |
| Grounding | Ungrounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 15A | 13A |
| Voltage Range | 100-127V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type A and Type G
Here's how Type A and Type G compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Type A has no grounding. Type G adds a grounding pin or clips to protect against electrical faults.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type A: Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide). Type G: Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm).
- Application: Type A is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type G is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type A and Type G Compatibility
Type A in Type G 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 G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) without a travel adapter.
Type G in Type A Sockets: Generally no. A Type G plug (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) does not fit a Type A socket (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type C vs type J 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 G travel adapter.
Does a Type A plug fit into a Type G 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 G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type A and Type G plugs the same?
No. Type A follows the NEMA 1-15 standard and Type G follows BS 1363 — they differ in grounding, pin count, voltage rating.
Which countries use Type A and Type G plugs?
Type A plugs are used in 61 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas. Type G plugs are used in 67 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Ascension Island, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize. 7 countries use both, including Bangladesh, Belize, Cambodia, Guyana, Myanmar (Burma).
How can you tell a Type A plug from a Type G plug?
A Type A plug has two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide), and is ungrounded. A Type G plug has three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm), and is grounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them. You might also want type F vs type G plug.