Type A vs Type M Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type A vs Type M 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 M is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in grounding, voltage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type A plug fits a Type M socket, and vice versa. Next, check will a type B plug work in a type O socket without an adapter.

Swipe to compare

Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type A	Type M
Standard	NEMA 1-15	BS 546 (15A)
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)	Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)
Grounding	Ungrounded	Grounded
Pin Count	2	3
Amperage	15A	15A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type A and Type M

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

Grounding: Type A has no grounding. Type M 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 M: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter).
Application: Type A is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type M is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.

Type A and Type M Compatibility

Type A in Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.

Type M in Type A Sockets: Generally no. A Type M plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) 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 M travel adapter.

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

Does a Type A plug fit into a Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter. You might also want can i use a type C adapter with a type L socket.

Are Type A and Type M plugs the same?

No. Type A follows the NEMA 1-15 standard and Type M follows BS 546 (15A) — they differ in grounding, pin count, voltage rating.

Which countries use Type A and Type M plugs?

Type A plugs are used in 61 countries, including United States of America, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including India, South Africa, Nepal, Namibia, Mozambique.

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

A Type A plug has two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide), and is ungrounded. A Type M plug has three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter), and is grounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them. You might also want is a type H plug compatible with a type K socket.