Everything that matters, at a glance.
Pin layout, voltage, amperage, dimensions — the technical details for Type A in one tidy table.
The Type A plug was patented by Harvey Hubbell II in 1904. It became the standard in the United States and eventually spread to countries under American influence. While still widely used, it's gradually being replaced by the grounded Type B plug for safety reasons.
Type A plugs are not polarized in most countries, meaning they can be inserted either way. They lack a grounding pin, which provides less protection against electrical shock. Many modern safety standards require grounded outlets, making Type A less common in new installations.
Type A plugs can fit into Type B outlets (which have an additional grounding hole). However, Type B plugs cannot fit into Type A outlets due to the grounding pin.
37 countries use Type A.
Mostly across North America and Central America. Click any country for the full guide — voltage, adapters, and travel essentials for that destination.
Routes to and from Type A countries.
Country-to-country adapter guides for the most common trips involving Type A destinations.
Other plug types worth a look.
Neighboring plug types — same region, related shapes, or shared voltage zone. Useful when your trip has multiple stops.
Adapters travelers actually pack for Type A.
Three picks tested against Type A outlets — universal options that also work in 150+ other countries.
Type G to Type A/B adapter. Works in US, Canada, Mexico, Japan.
Type C/F to Type A/B adapter. Works in US, Canada, Mexico, Japan.
Type I to Type A/B adapter. Works in US, Canada, Mexico.
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Will my devices work? Run the check.
Type A runs at 100-127V, 60Hz. See exactly which of your devices plug in safely and which need a converter.
Every plug type, in one place. All 15.
Type A through Type O — what they look like, where they're used, which countries share them. The full reference our visitors come back to most.
Keep going. Explore further.
The other guides on PlugHopper that travelers find most useful when they're planning a trip.
Side-by-side database with shape, voltage, countries.
Why some chargers blow up and others don't — the dual-voltage rule.
The 30-second test that tells you which devices need which.
How the world ended up split between 110V and 240V.
Tested picks from universal kits to single-route adapters.
110V vs 230V and what it means for your devices.
What is the Type A plug?+
Type A is a two-pin ungrounded plug with flat parallel blades. It's one of the most common plug types in North America, Central America, and parts of Asia. The plug was originally developed in the United States in 1904 by Harvey Hubbell II.
Which countries use Type A?+
Type A is used in United States of America, Canada, Mexico and across North America, Central America, Caribbean. See the full list below.
Is the Type A plug grounded?+
No. Type A is an ungrounded 2-pin plug. For grounded appliances you may need an alternative plug type or a grounded adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter for Type A countries?+
Type A countries operate at 100-127V, 60Hz. Modern dual-voltage electronics (phones, laptops, cameras labelled "100-240V") work everywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone need a converter.
Can I use my iPhone or laptop charger with Type A?+
Yes. Apple chargers and most laptop power supplies are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Type A countries with just a plug adapter — no converter needed.
Going somewhere that uses Type A? Pluggy packs the rest.
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