Type B vs Type H Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type B is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type H is a 3-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 H socket, and vice versa. Also see difference between type A and type F sockets.
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Type B
|
Type H
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | NEMA 5-15 | SI 32 |
| Pin Configuration | Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter) | Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 15A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 100-127V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type B and Type H
Here's how Type B and Type H compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type B and Type H are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type H: Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length).
- Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type H is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type B and Type H Compatibility
Type B in Type H Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) without a travel adapter.
Type H in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type H plug (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) 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 H travel adapter.
Does a Type B plug fit into a Type H socket?
Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type B and Type H plugs the same?
No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type H follows SI 32 — they differ in voltage rating. Next, check type M vs type O plug.
Which countries use Type B and Type H plugs?
Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type H plugs are used in 3 countries, including Gaza Strip, Israel, Palestine. For a related pairing, see type G vs type N plug.
How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type H plug?
A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type H plug has three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.