Type B vs Type I Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type B is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A 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 I socket, and vice versa. You might also want type G vs type O plug.
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Type B
|
Type I
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | NEMA 5-15 | AS/NZS 3112 |
| Pin Configuration | Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter) | Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 15A | 10A |
| Voltage Range | 100-127V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type B and Type I
Here's how Type B and Type I compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type B and Type I are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type I: Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin.
- Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type B and Type I Compatibility
Type B in Type I Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter. Compare this with can i use a type A adapter for type G.
Type I in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type I plug (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) 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 I travel adapter.
Does a Type B plug fit into a Type I socket?
Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter.
Are Type B and Type I plugs the same?
No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type I follows AS/NZS 3112 — they differ in voltage rating.
Which countries use Type B and Type I plugs?
Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. 1 countries use both, including American Samoa.
How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type I plug?
A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type I plug has two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin, and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.