Type B vs Type C Plugs: Grounding & Voltage Differences & Compatibility
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 type C to type G plug adapter.
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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.
- 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. For a related pairing, see type E 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 B or Type C travel adapter. For a related pairing, see type C vs type K plug.
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.
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 American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andorra. 11 countries use both, including Azores, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Laos, Liberia.
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.