Type A vs Type H Plugs: Grounding & Voltage Differences & Compatibility
Type A is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type H is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 H socket, and vice versa. Compare this with difference between type A and type B sockets.
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Type A
|
Type H
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | NEMA 1-15 | SI 32 |
| Pin Configuration | Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide) | Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length) |
| Grounding | Ungrounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 15A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 100-127V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type A and Type H
Here's how Type A and Type H compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Type A has no grounding. Type H 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 H: Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length).
- Application: Type A is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type H is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type A and Type H Compatibility
Type A in Type H 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 H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) without a travel adapter.
Type H in Type A Sockets: Generally no. A Type H plug (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) does not fit a Type A socket (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) without a travel adapter.
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 H travel adapter.
Does a Type A plug fit into a Type H 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 H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type A and Type H plugs the same?
No. Type A follows the NEMA 1-15 standard and Type H follows SI 32 — they differ in grounding, pin count, voltage rating. Compare this with type H vs type I plug.
Which countries use Type A and Type H plugs?
Type A plugs are used in 61 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas. Type H plugs are used in 3 countries, including Gaza Strip, Israel, Palestine.
How can you tell a Type A plug from a Type H plug?
A Type A plug has two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide), and is ungrounded. A Type H plug has three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length), and is grounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them.