Type A Socket And Plug

American Standard

The Type A plug and socket (NEMA 1-15 specification) was invented by Harvey Hubbell II in 1904. It is currently used primarily in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The Type A plug features two parallel flat prongs that are 1.5 mm thick, 15.9 to 18.3 mm long, and spaced 12.7 mm apart. It does not include a ground wire and is rated for 15 amperes. Early Type A plugs were non-polarized, but most modern versions are polarized, with the wider prong (7.9 mm) serving as the neutral and the narrower one (6.3 mm) as the live wire.

Since 1965, the use of ungrounded Type A sockets has been prohibited in new construction in the United States and Canada. However, these sockets can still be found in some older buildings.

Latin America uses a wide variety of plugs and sockets, with each country having its own unique situation. However, many countries use the same Type A plug as North America, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Today, many public places in Latin American countries, especially hotels, provide sockets that are compatible with multiple plug types. Nevertheless, it's best to confirm the most commonly used plug type in your destination before departure and bring an appropriate plug adapter.

Japanese Standard

The Japanese standard Type A plug and socket (JIS C 8303, Class II specification) appears identical to the NEMA 1-15 specification, but it has stricter requirements for socket housing dimensions. Japanese standard sockets must pass mandatory certification from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or JIS. Like the NEMA 1-15, early Japanese Type A sockets and plugs were non-polarized, with both slots in the socket being the same size. Modern Japanese plugs, however, are polarized.

Japanese Type A plugs can typically be inserted into most North American Type A sockets. However, polarized North American Type A plugs require an adapter or need to be converted to non-polarized plugs to fit into older Japanese Type A sockets.

Since Japan uses 100 volts at a frequency of 50 Hz (eastern Japan) or 60 Hz (western Japan and Sado Island), some devices with North American Type A plugs may physically fit into Japanese sockets but may not operate properly.