Type B Travel Adapter (NEMA 5-15 / US & Canada Grounded Plug)
Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin. The formal designation is NEMA 5-15, but most travelers know it as the grounded US or Canada plug.
A Type B travel adapter, also spelled Type B travel adaptor, changes the plug shape only. It does not convert voltage.
The recommended adapter shown here accepts plug styles from most countries. South African Type M plugs do not fit.
Type B Travel Adapter Quick Facts
- Three-prong grounded plug with two flat blades and one round grounding pin
- Formally designated NEMA 5-15
- Grounded plug design
- The NEMA 5-15 configuration is rated at 15A
- Commonly used with 100–127V electrical systems, though some Type B destinations use higher voltages
- Found with both 50Hz and 60Hz power systems
- Grounded may also be described as earthed
What Plug and Travel Adapter Do I Need for the United States and Canada?
The United States and Canada use Type A and Type B outlets. Type A is the two-pin ungrounded system, while Type B adds a round grounding pin. Both countries use 120V / 60Hz electricity.
Travelers from Europe, the UK, Australia, and other regions may need a USA travel adapter or US plug adapter with a Type B plug for grounded outlets. A plug adapter changes the plug shape only and does not convert voltage.
For complete country information, see the United States plug and adapter guide and the Canada plug and adapter guide.
Type A and Type B Compatibility
Type B sockets are designed to accept both Type A and Type B plugs. A Type A plug can therefore fit a Type B outlet, but a grounded Type B plug cannot fit a two-slot Type A-only outlet because of its grounding pin.
Do not assume that every Type B destination uses North American voltage. Countries including the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Paraguay, Peru, and Vietnam use Type B in systems that may operate around 230V. Always check the voltage rating printed on the device before connecting it.
Popular Type B Destinations
United States · Canada · Mexico · Taiwan
Countries and Territories Where Type B Is Encountered
North America
Central America
South America
East Asia
Southeast 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 B 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. Type B provides grounding. Adapter may also be spelled adaptor, and grounded may also be described as earthed.
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