Type B vs Type D Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type B vs Type D 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 D is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 5A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type B plug fits a Type D socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type D vs type G plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type B	Type D
Standard	NEMA 5-15	BS 546
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)	Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	15A	5A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type B and Type D

Here's how Type B and Type D compare, point by point.

Grounding: Both Type B and Type D are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type D: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter).
Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type B and Type D Compatibility

Type B in Type D Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type D socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.

Type D in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type D plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)) 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 D travel adapter. Also see type C plugs run on 220-240V while type M plugs run on 220-240V.

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

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

Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type D socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter. You might also want is a type M plug compatible with a type N socket.

Are Type B and Type D plugs the same?

No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type D follows BS 546 — they differ in voltage rating.

Which countries use Type B and Type D plugs?

Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada. Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including India, Maldives, Nepal, Tanzania, Jordan. 1 countries use both, including Guyana.

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

A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type D plug has three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.