Type B vs Type F Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type B vs Type F 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 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. Next, check how do i tell a type A plug apart from a type D plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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. You might also want type D vs type E socket.

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.

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

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.

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 United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada. Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Indonesia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Greece. 7 countries use both, including Laos, Aruba, Azores, American Samoa, Liberia. Also see packing an adapter for a trip that has both type C and type K sockets.

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.