Everything that matters, at a glance.
Pin layout, voltage, amperage, dimensions — the technical details for Type B in one tidy table.
Type B was developed as a safer alternative to Type A, adding a grounding pin for protection against electrical faults. It became the standard for most household and commercial applications in the United States and Canada by the mid-20th century.
The grounding pin provides protection against electrical shock by directing fault current to the ground. Type B outlets are polarized, with one slot wider than the other, ensuring correct connection of live and neutral wires.
Type B outlets accept both Type A and Type B plugs. The grounding hole accommodates the Type B grounding pin while still allowing ungrounded Type A plugs to connect.
31 countries use Type B.
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 B countries.
Country-to-country adapter guides for the most common trips involving Type B 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 B.
Three picks tested against Type B 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 B 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 B plug?+
Type B is a three-pin grounded plug with two flat parallel blades and a round grounding pin below them. It's the standard grounded plug throughout North America, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Central America. This plug type operates at 120V and has largely replaced the ungrounded Type A for safety reasons in most household and commercial applications. The grounding pin provides essential protection against electrical faults and is required by modern electrical codes for most appliances and devices.
Which countries use Type B?+
Type B is used in United States of America, Canada, Mexico and across North America, Central America, Caribbean. See the full list below.
Is the Type B plug grounded?+
Yes. Type B has a dedicated grounding pin for safe operation with appliances that require an earth connection.
Do I need a voltage converter for Type B countries?+
Type B 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 B?+
Yes. Apple chargers and most laptop power supplies are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Type B countries with just a plug adapter — no converter needed.
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