Type B vs Type E Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
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 type I vs type J plug.
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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.
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. Also see is type F compatible with type L.
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.
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. Also see type G vs type K plug.
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 American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon. 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.