Type B vs Type E Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type B vs Type E 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 E is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 E socket, and vice versa. Also see should you choose type M or type O for an international travel adapter.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type B	Type E
Standard	NEMA 5-15	CEE 7/5
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)	Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	2
Amperage	15A	16A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type B and Type E

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

Grounding: Both Type B and Type E are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type E: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin.
Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type E is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.

Type B and Type E Compatibility

Type B in Type E Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see packing an adapter for a trip that has both type E and type L sockets.

Type E in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) does not fit a Type B socket (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) without a travel adapter. You might also want will a type F plug work in a type L socket without an 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 E travel adapter.

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

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

Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) without a travel adapter.

Are Type B and Type E plugs the same?

No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type E follows CEE 7/5 — they differ in pin count, voltage rating.

Which countries use Type B and Type E plugs?

Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada. Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including France, Morocco, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic. 1 countries use both, including Laos.

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

A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type E plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin, and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin count: 3 vs 2.