Type B Plug & Sockets

Type B — North American grounded (two flat blades + round earth pin).

Type B at a glance

Type B plug shape Type B
Plug codeType B
GroundedYes — has an earth contact
Typical voltage world100–127V (North America, Japan)
Fits these socketsType B
Used in (countries)7

What a Type B plug is

Two flat blades plus a round grounding pin. Used in the US, Canada, Mexico and Japan. A grounded Type B plug fits only a Type B socket (the earth pin will not enter an ungrounded Type A socket).

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 B sockets

What adapter to buy

Shopping link

External shopping link. PlugVoltage is not currently earning from this link.

Get a Type B 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.

Shopping links never change the safety verdict.

Type B FAQ

What does a Type B plug look like?

Two flat blades plus a round grounding pin. Used in the US, Canada, Mexico and Japan. A grounded Type B plug fits only a Type B socket (the earth pin will not enter an ungrounded Type A socket).

Which countries use Type B sockets?

Type B sockets are used in United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Philippines. Always confirm the local voltage — the plug shape alone never tells you whether your device is safe.

Do Type B plugs fit other sockets?

No. A Type B plug fits only Type B sockets — bring a dedicated adapter.

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.