Type A Travel Adapter (NEMA 1-15 / US & Japan Plug)
Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins. The formal designation is NEMA 1-15, but most travelers know it as the US or Japan plug. It is an ungrounded plug design encountered in countries around the world.
A Type A travel adapter, also spelled Type A travel adaptor, changes the plug shape only. It does not convert voltage.
U.S. Type A plugs may be polarized, with one blade wider than the other. Outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico, travelers should not assume a polarized U.S. plug will fit a Type A outlet. A Type A travel adapter with two flat equal-width pins may still be required.
Type A Travel Adapter Quick Facts
- Two flat parallel pins
- Formally designated NEMA 1-15
- Ungrounded plug design
- Rated up to 15A under the NEMA 1-15 configuration
- Commonly used with 100–127V electrical systems, though some Type A destinations use higher voltages
- Found with both 50Hz and 60Hz power systems
- Type A plugs may be polarized or non-polarized; polarized versions have one blade wider than the other
What Plug and Travel Adapter Do I Need for Japan?
Japan uses Type A plugs with two flat parallel pins. Japan's standard voltage is 100V. The frequency is 50Hz in eastern Japan and 60Hz in western Japan.
If your device already has a Type A plug, a plug-shape adapter is normally not needed for a Type A outlet. Check the voltage and frequency ratings printed on the device before connecting it.
For complete country information, see the Japan plug and adapter guide.
Type A and Type B Compatibility
Type A is the two-pin ungrounded plug. Type B adds a grounding pin. Type B sockets are designed to accept both Type A and Type B plugs, while a Type A socket accepts only the two-pin Type A plug.
The United States, Canada, Mexico, and many nearby destinations use both Type A and Type B systems. A plug adapter changes the plug shape only and does not add grounding or convert voltage.
Popular Type A Destinations
Japan · United States · Mexico · Thailand
Countries and Territories Where Type A Is Encountered
North America
Central America
South America
East Asia
Southeast Asia
South Asia
Oceania
Africa
Caribbean
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Bonaire
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Eustatius
- Sint Maarten
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Countries and territories are listed because Type A is part of the local plug system or is commonly accepted in local outlets. Use may be mixed with other plug types, and voltage varies by destination. Adapter may also be spelled adaptor; both spellings are used for travel plug adapters.
Recommended Travel WiFi
Globlinker automatically connects to the strongest available local mobile network. Use it in the U.S. and 130+ countries without a SIM, contract, subscription, or roaming fees.
Rental Cars for International Travel
QEEQ offers rental cars in destinations around the world, including major airports and cities. Compare vehicles and rates from multiple rental suppliers before your trip.
BookSeats
Book sports, concert, and live-event tickets together with flights and hotels.
