Type B vs Type J Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
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. You might also want type A to type B plug adapter.
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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.
- 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.
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. Also see type D vs type N plug.
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 American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland. Also see type D vs type J plug.
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.