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

Type A vs. Type O

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

Comparing:
Type A
Type O

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 O is Thailand's standard, introduced in 2006 -- three round pins whose earth-pin offset happens to numerically match Type B's, letting Thailand's real-world hybrid sockets also accept American Type A/B and European Type C plugs. Pure single-standard Type O outlets barely exist in practice.

View full Type O spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

5 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Pin Count
2 flat parallel blades, non-coplanar, 12.7mm apart 3 round pins, 4.8mm diameter
Rated Current
15 A 16 A
Rated Voltage
125 V 230 V
Grounded
No Yes
Common Regions
USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Japan Thailand only