Before you leave, make sure you have a plan so you can make the most of everything America has to offer. Types A and B are the two equivalent plug types for the USA. Two flat parallel pins make up plug type A, while two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin make up plug type B. The USA uses a 120V supply power and a 60Hz frequency.

Which plug type do you need?

To make sure you can use your electrical appliances safely when traveling, you need to think about what to take. Typically, this involves using a travel adaptor, which is essentially a device that lets you plug in any electrical item made in the UK to an electrical outlet in another country. It is crucial to remember that it does not change the frequency or voltage.

There are two related plug types for the USA: kinds A and B. Two flat parallel pins make up plug type A, while two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin make up plug type B. The USA uses a 120V voltage supplied and a 60Hz frequency.

Transformers and voltage converters

Electricity supply can have voltages ranging from 100V to 240V worldwide. It could be quite dangerous to use an electrical device that is specified for a voltage different from the source of the power supply.

Because voltage differs from country to country, you may need to use a transformer or voltage converter when visiting the USA. 

Verify that the appliance you intend to use does not have a power rating higher than the maximum amount of watts or amps that all transformers and converters can handle.

Appliance rated for dual voltage

The rating plate of the appliance will indicate whether a transformer or converter is needed.

When an appliance is dual voltage rated, it will say something like “INPUT: 110-240V” on the power supply or the device itself. This indicates that since the USA uses a 120V power supply, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance runs on, you won’t require a converter or transformer. Instead, all you’ll need is a travel adaptor.

Appliances with a single voltage rating

The supply voltage in the USA is 120V. The single-voltage appliance must be used in conjunction with a voltage inverter or converter if the appliance or the source of power is not dual voltage qualified for it to function safely and correctly (unless it runs at 120V).

These travel adaptors ought to only be utilized with double-insulated equipment, which is identified by the symbol below. We advise you to check your appliances to make sure they meet the requirements before leaving for the United States. Click on one of the links below to learn more about travel adaptor requirements to other North American countries.

(Frequently Asked Question) FAQ’S

What plug types are used in the United States? 

The United States uses a 120V voltage supplied and 60Hz frequency. Plug types A and B are associated with the country. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, while plug type B has two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin.

Is there a difference between UK and US plugs? 

A US plug socket is not the same shape as a UK or European plug socket, so your European plugs won’t fit. Moreover, US devices, sockets, and plugs are made to operate at voltage levels that are entirely different from those of UK plugs.

Do US plugs have two or three pins?

While most electrical appliances run at about 110 volts, the official voltage for the USA and Canada is 120 volts. The two-pronged North American outlet, along with the optional third round pin (Type A and Type B), is the system used across North America.

EU and US plugs: what are they?

Type-A/B plugs are used in America, while Type-C plugs are used in much of Europe (Type-C plugs can also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets, which in some countries like Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, etc., replace the Type C socket). European appliances use 220-240 volts, while American appliances use 110 volts.

What is the US plug code?

Type A and type B power plugs and sockets (outlets) are used in the US. The standard voltage and frequency are 120 V and 60 Hz, respectively. 

Why are there only two pins on US plugs?

Two-prong plugs are commonly seen on numerous appliances in the USA and other countries as they are “double insulated.” Except for outlets that feature safety shutters on the current-carrying slots which are unlocked by the ground prong, the last prong is for ground fault protection.

CONCLUSION

Make sure you have a strategy before you travel so you can take advantage of everything America has to offer. For the USA, there are two comparable plug types: types A and B. Plug type A consists of two flat parallel pins, and plug type B consists of two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. The USA employs a 60Hz frequency and a 120V supply voltage.