Type A vs Type I Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type A vs Type I 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 I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A 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 I socket, and vice versa. Also see how the CEE 7/16 (Europlug) standard for type C compares to CEE 7/5 for type E.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type A	Type I
Standard	NEMA 1-15	AS/NZS 3112
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)	Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin
Grounding	Ungrounded	Grounded
Pin Count	2	3
Amperage	15A	10A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type A and Type I

Here's how Type A and Type I compare, point by point. Compare this with packing an adapter for a trip that has both type B and type K sockets.

Grounding: Type A has no grounding. Type I 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 I: Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin.
Application: Type A is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type A and Type I Compatibility

Type A in Type I 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 I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter.

Type I in Type A Sockets: Generally no. A Type I plug (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) 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 I travel adapter.

Type A vs Type I plug comparison: Type A and Type I 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 I Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type A plug fit into a Type I 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 I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter. Next, check what adapter converts a type F plug to a type I socket.

Are Type A and Type I plugs the same?

No. Type A follows the NEMA 1-15 standard and Type I follows AS/NZS 3112 — they differ in grounding, pin count, voltage rating.

Which countries use Type A and Type I plugs?

Type A plugs are used in 61 countries, including United States of America, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand. Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including Australia, China, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji. 4 countries use both, including China, Myanmar, American Samoa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

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

A Type A plug has two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide), and is ungrounded. A Type I plug has two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin, and is grounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them.