Type B vs Type G Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type B is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type G is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 13A 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 G socket, and vice versa. Next, check type A to type E plug adapter.
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Type B
|
Type G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | NEMA 5-15 | BS 1363 |
| Pin Configuration | Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter) | Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 15A | 13A |
| Voltage Range | 100-127V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type B and Type G
Here's how Type B and Type G compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type B and Type G are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type G: Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm).
- Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type G is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type B and Type G Compatibility
Type B in Type G Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type D vs type F plug.
Type G in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type G plug (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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 G travel adapter.
Does a Type B plug fit into a Type G socket?
Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type B and Type G plugs the same?
No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type G follows BS 1363 — they differ in voltage rating.
Which countries use Type B and Type G plugs?
Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type G plugs are used in 67 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Ascension Island, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize. 3 countries use both, including Belize, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type G plug?
A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type G plug has three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.