Type B vs Type F Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type B is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type F 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 F socket, and vice versa. Also see is type A compatible with type D.
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Type B
|
Type F
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | NEMA 5-15 | CEE 7/4 (Schuko) |
| Pin Configuration | Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter) | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 2 |
| Amperage | 15A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 100-127V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type B and Type F
Here's how Type B and Type F compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type B and Type F are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides.
- Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type F is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type B and Type F Compatibility
Type B in Type F Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type F socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) without a travel adapter.
Type F in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type F plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) 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 F travel adapter.
Does a Type B plug fit into a Type F socket?
Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type F socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see type G vs type L plug.
Are Type B and Type F plugs the same?
No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type F follows CEE 7/4 (Schuko) — they differ in pin count, voltage rating.
Which countries use Type B and Type F plugs?
Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. 7 countries use both, including American Samoa, Aruba, Azores, Laos, Liberia.
How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type F plug?
A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin count: 3 vs 2. You might also want type I vs type N plug.