Type A Plug (NEMA 1-15P) – North America & Japan Standard
Used in: North and Central America, Japan
Plug Type A = NEMA 1-15P
- Type A is the internationally recognized designation, categorized by the IEC as one of the global plug types.
- NEMA 1-15P is the standard designation issued by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in the United States.
Type A plugs require ETL or UL certification, fully compliant with UL 817 and CSA C22.2 No. 21-14 standards
The Type A electrical plug, also known as the flat blade plug, is a widely used ungrounded plug standard in North and Central America as well as Japan. It features two flat parallel pins and is commonly found in residential, commercial, and travel applications.
Although American Type A plugs and Japanese Type A plugs look nearly identical, there is one key difference:
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In the US version, the neutral pin is wider than the live pin, providing polarity protection.
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In the Japanese version, both pins are the same size, making it possible to use Japanese plugs in the United States, but not always the other way around.
Another unique feature of Type A plugs is the small holes near the tips of the pins. These holes align with bumps inside certain sockets, ensuring a tighter grip for improved electrical contact and preventing the plug from slipping out. In modern sockets, spring-loaded blades are often used instead, making the holes less critical.
If you are looking for Type A power cords, understanding these differences is essential for safety and compatibility.
