USA – Power Plugs & Sockets: Travel Adapter Needed?

USA

Are you planning to visit the United States of America? Select your country of residence to check automatically if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter in the United States of America.

Select the country you live in

Electricity in the United States of America

In the United States of America the power plug sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.

Which power plug sockets in the United States of America?

In the United States of America the power plug sockets are of type A and B. Check out the following pictures.

  • Type A: mainly used in North and Central America, China and Japan. This socket only works with plug A.
  • Type B: like type A but with an extra prong for grounding. This socket also works with plug A

Power plug sockets type A are used in the United States of AmericaPower plug sockets type B are used in the United States of America

Buy a power plug (travel) adapter

We don’t sell power plug adapters. We refer you to Amazon, where you will find a great selection of travel adapters.

You can also check the map to see the use of different plugs and sockets in the world.

Spread of Power Plugs and Sockets around the world

What voltage and frequency in the United States of America?

In the United States of America the standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in the United States of America, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries). Manufacturers take small deviations (plus or minus 5%) into account. Be careful if you bring appliances from Japan (100 V).

If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia), you need a voltage converter in the United States of America. Some say you can carefully try to use your appliances in the United States of America without a converter. Most likely they won’t be damaged, but may not function optimally. If you don’t want to take any chances, use a converter. You can find voltage converters at Amazon. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

If the frequency in the United States of America (60 Hz) differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances. But if there is no voltage difference, you could (at your own risk) try to use the appliance for a short time. Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers or electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.

Travel adapters from Amazon

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Need anything else?

Check if you have packed everything for your trip at our TRAVELER’S CHECKLIST!

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