Type B (NEMA 5-15) Power Plug
Also known as the North American grounded 3-pin.
About Type B (NEMA 5-15)
Type B is the grounded successor to Type A under NEMA 5-15. It adds a 5 mm round ground pin offset from the two flat blades and is rated 15 A at 125 V. Sockets are physically compatible with Type A plugs (the ground hole simply remains empty).
Type B is mandatory on US wiring installed after the 1962 NEC for all general-purpose 120 V outlets. The grounded blade configuration is now standard across Canada, Mexico, most of Central America, the Caribbean, and Japanese commercial installations.
A Type B plug will physically fit a Type A socket only if the ground pin can be sheared off (not recommended). Travelers needing to use grounded equipment in older Type A regions should carry a polarised adapter and verify equipment safety before defeating the ground.
Adapters for Type B (NEMA 5-15)
US 3-prong grounded power adapter
Countries Using Type B (NEMA 5-15)
45 countries use Type B (NEMA 5-15). Click any country for its full connectivity, voltage, and adapter guide.