TYPE B / EXPLAINED
How to recognize Type B
Type B adds a third earth contact below the two flat current-carrying blades. The socket therefore has three openings. The familiar 15 A configuration should be distinguished from 20 A receptacles with a T-shaped slot.
- Common regions
- North America and parts of Central America; also encountered in Japan
- Contact arrangement
- Two flat blades plus a round or U-shaped earth pin
- Common current variants
- 15 A
- Typical supply voltage
- 100–127 V
- Standard family
- NEMA 5-15 family
- Socket accepts
- A and B, with the correct polarized geometry
Earthing, compatibility & common mix-ups
The longer earth pin establishes an earthing connection before the other blades fully engage. A Type A plug may fit a compatible Type B receptacle, but this does not add earthing to a two-wire appliance. Never remove the earth pin to make a plug fit.
What the type letter tells you
The letter describes a recognizable connection family. It does not specify the complete wall plate, mounting box, shutters, terminal design or approval for a destination market. A plug's rated voltage is also different from the actual supply voltage at a location. An adapter changes the physical connection; it does not convert voltage or frequency.
Choosing a Type B socket for your market
Start with the destination country and the appliance connection you need to support. Then identify the exact national version within NEMA 5-15 family, its marked current and voltage, and its earthing arrangement. The figures above describe common configurations; the supplied product's marking and technical documents define the actual model.
- Compare the complete contact pattern with the reference image, including the earth contact.
- Confirm the local supply voltage and frequency against the appliance input label.
- For a buying enquiry, include mounting format, current variant, quantity and required market documents.
Does physical fit mean the connection is suitable?
No. The earth connection, contact pressure, current rating, supply voltage and approved configuration all matter. Do not force a plug into a socket or remove an earth contact.
Reference image and initial type data: supplied global plug-and-socket workbook. Country context checked against Bel's World Plug and Input Voltage Guide. For South African configurations, see Interpower's SANS 164-2 guide. These recognition notes do not replace the applicable national standard or product documentation.