Type A Plug & Sockets
Type A — North American / Japanese ungrounded (two flat parallel blades).
Type A at a glance
| Plug code | Type A |
|---|---|
| Grounded | No — ungrounded (two pins) |
| Typical voltage world | 100–127V (North America, Japan) |
| Fits these sockets | Type A, B |
| Used in (countries) | 9 |
What a Type A plug is
Two flat parallel blades. Found in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and much of the low-voltage world. A Type A plug inserts into both Type A and Type B sockets. Ungrounded — no earth pin.
Remember: the plug shape says nothing about the voltage. A Type A plug fits sockets in both the US (120V) and Japan (100V); a Type C plug fits 220–240V sockets across Europe and much of Asia. Always check the voltage of your destination before plugging in a single-voltage device.
Countries that use Type A sockets
What adapter to buy
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Get a Type A travel adapter(opens in new tab)Safety check: a plug adapter only changes plug shape. It does not convert voltage, so confirm your device label before buying.
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Type A FAQ
What does a Type A plug look like?
Two flat parallel blades. Found in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and much of the low-voltage world. A Type A plug inserts into both Type A and Type B sockets. Ungrounded — no earth pin.
Which countries use Type A sockets?
Type A sockets are used in United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Philippines and 3 more. Always confirm the local voltage — the plug shape alone never tells you whether your device is safe.
Do Type A plugs fit other sockets?
Yes — a Type A plug physically fits Type A, B sockets. The reverse is not guaranteed.
Standards reference framework
These IEC publications define the reference framework used to interpret nominal voltage and household plug/socket systems:
- IEC 60038: standard-voltage reference for nominal supply-voltage families.
- IEC TR 60083:2015: technical overview of plugs and socket-outlets used in IEC member countries.
- IEC 60884-1:2022: general safety and performance requirements for household plugs and socket-outlets.
These publications are reference standards, not proof of every live outlet. Country records still require current national, utility, or regional evidence and a visible review date.
Inspect country evidence. The public dataset separates primary, corroborated, partial, and pending claim coverage.
Plug types by country (full A–O guide) · Adapter vs converter
Guidance only — not professional electrical advice. Always confirm against your device's label before plugging in. Local wiring (especially in hotels and older buildings) can vary.