Type B vs Type J Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type B vs Type J 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 J 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 J socket, and vice versa. Compare this with is it safe to use a type A device on a type H socket.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type B	Type J
Standard	NEMA 5-15	SEV 1011
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)	Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	15A	10A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type B and Type J

Here's how Type B and Type J compare, point by point. Next, check type J plugs run on 220-240V while type M plugs run on 220-240V.

Grounding: Both Type B and Type J are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others).
Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type B and Type J Compatibility

Type B in Type J Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter.

Type J in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) does not fit a Type B socket (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with how do i tell a type A plug apart from a type B plug.

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 J travel adapter.

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

Does a Type B plug fit into a Type J socket?

Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type B and Type J plugs the same?

No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type J follows SEV 1011 — they differ in voltage rating.

Which countries use Type B and Type J plugs?

Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada. Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Switzerland, Maldives, Jordan, Liechtenstein.

How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type J plug?

A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type J plug has two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.