Plug types by country / United States
Plug Type and Voltage in United States
United States uses Type A and Type B sockets. The standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60Hz.
Older buildings often have two-pin outlets that only take Type A plugs, not three-pin Type B.
Sockets in United States
Type A: two flat parallel pins, ungrounded. Also used in North and Central America and Japan.
Type B: two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin, grounded. Also used in North and Central America.
Will your plug fit in United States?
| Travelling from | Plug adapter | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (G) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Germany (C, F) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| France (C, E) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Italy (C, F, L) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Switzerland (C, J) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Australia (I) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| China (A, C, I) | Adapter for some plugs | Converter for 220V-only devices |
| Japan (A, B) | No adapter needed | Same range |
| India (C, D, M) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Brazil (C, N) | Adapter needed | Same range |
| South Africa (C, D, M, N) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Israel (C, H) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Denmark (C, E, F, K) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
Countries with the same sockets as United States
These countries also use Type A and Type B sockets, so plugs that fit in United States fit there too.
Frequently asked questions
What plug type is used in United States?
United States uses Type A and Type B sockets. Type A has two flat parallel pins. Type B has two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin.
What is the voltage in United States?
The standard voltage in United States is 120V at 60Hz. Devices from 220-240V countries need to be rated for 100-240V or used with a step-up converter.
Can I use a UK plug in United States?
No, you need an adapter. United Kingdom uses Type G plugs and United States has Type A and Type B sockets. The voltage also differs (230V vs 120V), so check that your devices are rated 100-240V.