Type A (NEMA 1-15) - USA / Canada / Japan
Two flat parallel pins, 120 V at 60 Hz - the unpolarised North American mains plug.
The Type A plug per NEMA 1-15 is the simplest and oldest North American mains plug. Two flat parallel blades for line and neutral, no protective earth, rated 15 A at 125 V. Originally unpolarised, modern variants often have one wider blade that locks the plug to a single orientation (the wider blade is neutral). Used throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan (with minor differences) and several Caribbean and Central American countries.
Technical Specifications
| Standard | NEMA 1-15 (USA), JIS C 8303 (Japan) |
| Rated current | 15 A |
| Rated voltage | 125 V AC |
| Frequency | 60 Hz (50 Hz parts of Japan) |
| Pins | 2 flat parallel |
| Polarisation | Polarised (modern) or unpolarised (legacy) |
| Countries | USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Central America |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are USA and Japan plugs really the same?
Mechanically yes - identical Type A. Electrically slightly different: USA is 120 V at 60 Hz, Japan is 100 V at 50 / 60 Hz depending on region. Many devices accept the full range, but always check the rating.
Type A vs Type B - what is the difference?
Type B (NEMA 5-15) adds a third round earth pin below the two flat blades. It is the modern standard for any class I device with a metal housing. Type A is now class II only.
Why are some Type A plugs polarised?
Modern Type A has one wider blade (neutral) so the plug can only be inserted one way. This protects switches that are wired only on the line side from accidentally being on the neutral.
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