Type B vs Type C Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type B vs Type C plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type B is a 3-pin, grounded 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 grounding, voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type B plug fits a Type C socket, and vice versa. Also see how the CEE 7/16 (Europlug) standard for type C compares to BS 1363 for type G.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type B	Type C
Standard	NEMA 5-15	CEE 7/16 (Europlug)
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)	Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)
Grounding	Grounded	Ungrounded
Pin Count	3	2
Amperage	15A	2.5A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type B and Type C

Here's how Type B and Type C compare, point by point. Also see what are the differences between a type G and a type I plug.

Grounding: Type C has no grounding. Type B adds a grounding pin or clips to protect against electrical faults.
Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type C: Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart).
Application: Type B 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 B and Type C Compatibility

Type B in Type C Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type C socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) without a travel adapter.

Type C in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type C plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) does not fit a Type B socket (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) 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 B or Type C travel adapter.

Type B vs Type C plug comparison: Type B 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 B vs Type C Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type B plug fit into a Type C socket?

Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type C socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) without a travel adapter. Next, check how does the amperage rating of a type I plug compare to a type K plug.

Are Type B and Type C plugs the same?

No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type C follows CEE 7/16 (Europlug) — they differ in grounding, pin count, voltage rating.

Which countries use Type B and Type C plugs?

Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada. Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia. 11 countries use both, including Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Peru, Dominican Republic.

How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type C plug?

A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type C plug has two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart), and is ungrounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them.