IEC Plug Specification

Type B (NEMA 5-15)

Grounded 3-prong plug with two flat parallel blades and a round or U-shaped grounding pin.

Direct Specification Summary
Type B is an earthed (grounded) electrical plug standard rated for 15A maximum amperage and typical voltages of 100–127V. Sockets are engineered with Two flat blades + one round grounding pin (4.8 mm diameter, 20.6 mm long).
Standard Property Technical Specification
Standard Designation Type B (NEMA 5-15)
Grounding / Earthing Yes (Earthed protective pin or side clips)
Pin Count & Geometry 3 Pins — Two flat blades + one round grounding pin (4.8 mm diameter, 20.6 mm long)
Maximum Current Rating 15A
Nominal Voltage Range 100–127V
Grounding Status
Grounded (Earthed)
3 Pins • 15A Maximum
Typical Voltage Range
100–127V
Physical: Two flat blades + one round grounding pin (4.8 mm diameter, 20.6 mm long)

Countries & Territories Using Type B

Type B is officially deployed in the national grid or hotel accommodations of the following countries:

United States (120V) Canada (120V) Japan (100V) Mexico (127V) Thailand (220V) Philippines (220V) Colombia (110V) Costa Rica (120V) Taiwan (110V) Peru (220V)

Physical Pin Architecture & Safety Characteristics

The mechanical architecture of Type B is defined by Two flat blades + one round grounding pin (4.8 mm diameter, 20.6 mm long). Sockets engineered for this standard operate at nominal capacities up to 15A.

When traveling with equipment utilizing this plug, verify that the foreign receptacle is compatible with its physical grounding structure. Using 3-to-2 prong grounding cheater adapters can remove protective earth bonding, exposing metallic device housings to live chassis fault risks.

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