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

Type A vs. Type B

Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 3 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Type A
Type B
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 B →

Type B adds a round grounding pin to Type A's two flat blades -- NEMA 5-15, the most common outlet in North America. The ground pin is deliberately longer than the power blades, so it connects before and disconnects after them, a safety-sequencing feature shared with several other grounded plug types worldwide.

View full Type B spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

5 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Type A
Type B
Pin Count
2 flat parallel blades, non-coplanar, 12.7mm apart 2 flat blades + 1 round ground pin (longer than the blades)
Rated Current
15 A 15 A
Rated Voltage
125 V 125 V
Grounded
No Yes
Common Regions
USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Japan USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Japan (grounded appliances)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare Type A vs. Type C → Compare Type A vs. Type D → Compare Type A vs. Type E → Compare Type A vs. Type F (Schuko) → 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 →