# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Plug Types

Type A vs. Type F (Schuko)

Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 5 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Type A
Type F (Schuko)
Type A →

Type A is the ungrounded 2-flat-pin plug standard in North America, Central America, and Japan -- NEMA 1-15, rated 15A/125V. It's a physical subset of Type B: any Type A plug fits directly into a Type B socket, the ground pin recess simply unused.

View full Type A spec sheet →
Type F (Schuko) →

Type F, universally called "Schuko" (German for "protective contact"), is the dominant grounded plug across continental Europe. Unlike most grounded plugs, its earth connection is made via two flat spring clips on the plug's sides rather than a third pin.

View full Type F (Schuko) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

5 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Type A
Type F (Schuko)
Pin Count
2 flat parallel blades, non-coplanar, 12.7mm apart 2 round pins + 2 side grounding clips (not a third pin)
Rated Current
15 A 16 A
Rated Voltage
125 V 250 V
Grounded
No Yes
Common Regions
USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Japan Germany, Austria, Spain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, much of Eastern Europe and Russia -- notably absent from Belgium, Czechia, Ireland, Switzerland, and the UK

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare Type A vs. Type B → Compare Type A vs. Type C → Compare Type A vs. Type D → Compare Type A vs. Type E → Compare Type A vs. Type G → Compare Type A vs. Type H → Compare Type A vs. Type I → Compare Type A vs. Type J → Compare Type A vs. Type K → Compare Type A vs. Type L → Compare Type A vs. Type M → Compare Type A vs. Type N → Compare Type A vs. Type O →