Type B (NEMA 5-15) - USA / Canada with Protective Earth
Type A geometry plus a round earth pin - the modern North American class I mains plug.
The Type B plug per NEMA 5-15 is the modern North American mains plug for class I devices. Two flat blades for line and neutral as in Type A, plus a round earth pin protruding 4 mm beyond the blades so it engages first. Rated 15 A at 125 V. Used throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico and Central America for any device with a metal housing or other class I requirement. The 20 A variant (NEMA 5-20) has a horizontal neutral blade and is found on commercial equipment.
Technical Specifications
| Standard | NEMA 5-15 (USA), JIS C 8303 (Japan) |
| Rated current | 15 A (5-20 variant: 20 A) |
| Rated voltage | 125 V AC |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Pins | 2 flat + 1 round earth |
| Class | I |
| Countries | USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America |
Matching products in the shop
- Type B power cords
- US 3-pin export cables
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Type B plug fit a Type A socket?
No - the round earth pin will not fit. A Type A plug fits a Type B socket (no earth contact, but mechanically OK).
Do all American devices have Type B plugs?
Class I devices (metal-housed, requires PE) yes. Class II devices (double-insulated chargers, lamps, adapters) often still use Type A polarised.
Can I run a 230 V Schuko device on a Type B socket?
Only if the device is rated for 100-240 V (most modern electronics are). For pure 230 V devices a step-up transformer is required.
Related connectors in the glossary
Procurement & engineering support: Phone +49 7666 88499-0 · sales@industry-electronics.com · B2B pricing, volume discounts, custom assemblies on request.