INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICITY

United States: plugs, voltage and frequency

A / B sockets · 120V · 60Hz. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances need suitable conversion or should not be used.

Pricing checked 15 July 2026Last checked 2026-07-15 · verify decisive terms directly
NU
Research profileIndependent data
PLUG TYPESA · B
NOMINAL VOLTAGE120V
FREQUENCY60Hz

Country reference

CountryPlug typesVoltageFrequencyTraveller warning
JapanA, B100V50HzJapan uses both 50Hz and 60Hz regions; verify frequency-sensitive equipment.
NepalC, D, M230V50HzSocket availability and grounding can vary; a quality adapter is useful.
ThailandA, B, C, O230V50HzMulti-standard sockets exist, but grounding and fit can be inconsistent.
United StatesA, B120V60HzSingle-voltage 220–240V appliances need suitable conversion or should not be used.
United KingdomG230V50HzUse a fused Type G adapter where appropriate.
AustraliaI230V50HzCheck that imported devices accept 230V.
FranceC, E230V50HzGrounded compatibility differs between Type E and some universal adapters.
GermanyC, F230V50HzHigh-power devices need an appropriately rated grounded adapter.
SingaporeG230V50HzUse a properly rated Type G adapter; do not overload multi-port units.
United Arab EmiratesG230V50HzCheck hotel sockets and grounding rather than relying on multi-standard fit.
CanadaA, B120V60HzCheck 120V compatibility for devices bought in 230V markets.
IndiaC, D, M230V50HzSocket type and quality vary; select an adapter for the exact outlet.

DO NOT CONFUSE THESE

Six separate compatibility questions

Plug shape

Whether the pins physically fit the socket.

Voltage

Electrical potential; incompatible single-voltage devices may be damaged.

Frequency

50Hz or 60Hz can affect motors, clocks and some appliances.

Transformer / converter

Changes voltage for a suitable load; it is not the same as an adapter.

Universal supply

An input label such as 100–240V, 50/60Hz usually supports both systems within its rating.

USB-C Power Delivery

The charger, cable and device must negotiate a supported voltage/current profile.

EXPLORE THE DATABASE

Related tools

Structured pages with visible caveats, source dates and direct verification prompts.

Plug adapter finderPhysical fit and voltage checksDevice voltage checkerRead device input labelsUSB-C power calculatorMatch watts and PD profilesPortable power runtimeEstimate battery capacity

UNITED STATES ELECTRICITY QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

No. A plug adapter only changes the physical pin shape to fit United States's Type A/B sockets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances need suitable conversion or should not be used. If your device is not rated for 120V, you need an actual voltage converter, not just an adapter.