Travel Adaptor for Canada
& Canadian Plug Types
Canada Plug Types & Sockets
- Voltage
- 120 V
- Frequency
- 60 Hz
Canada uses plug types A and B with matching sockets. Voltage: 120 V, Frequency: 60 Hz.
International travellers will need a type A/B plug adaptor.
Canada Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
Types A and B are earthed and unearthed variants of the same socket so a type A/B plug adaptor is all that may be needed for a trip to Canada.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best Canada travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the Canadian type A and B sockets.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
Canada Electrical Supply
Canada uses plug types A and B with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
Canada - Traveller Notes
Standardized at 120V. 240V single phase used for applications such as clothes driers, air conditioning, electric heating, water heaters, cookers and machinery. Buildings and houses with more than one branch circuit have both voltages. Three-phase 120/208 V or 347/600 V is available though primarily only to commercial or industrial buildings. Type A outlets are for repairs only (house from the 1950s or older), type B now required for new construction and renovation. A 20-Amp type B but with a T-slot is used in kitchens in new construction.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a Canadian socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Canadian mains supply is 120 V which is compatible with appliances from most countries in North and Central America. Many single-voltage appliances designed for 100-113 V or 127 V will operate normally but you should check the voltage requirements for sensitive or critical equipment. Single-voltage appliances designed for 220-240 V (common outside North & Central America) may need a transformer or voltage converter.
Frequency - Canada operates at 60 Hz, which is common in North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Canadian supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Canada. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
Canada Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type A
NEMA 1-15 class II unearthed, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and spaced 12.7mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9mm wide whilst the live is 6.3mm wide, meaning the plug is polarised and can only be inserted into the socket one way around. Some Japanese plugs have 2 equal width blades, making them unpolarised. Unearthed type A sockets have not been permitted in new buildings across the USA and Canada for many years but they can still be found in older buildings.
Plug Type B
NEMA 5-15 class I earthed, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and 6.3mm wide spaced 12.7mm apart. There is also a 4.8mm round or U shaped earth pin which is 3.2mm longer than the 2 blades in order to ensure that the appliance is earthed before the live electrical connection is made. The earth pin is offset from the 2 blades by 11.9mm.
The blades are uninsulated, making them dangerous as a partially pulled out plug can remain connected but the blades are exposed and could be touched, particularly by the fingers of a small child.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for Canada
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Canada uses type A and B plugs, which are unearthed and earthed variants.
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Canada uses type A and B sockets, which are unearthed and earthed variants.
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A type A/B adaptor, should they need one, will allow international travellers to connect to the sockets in Canada.
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The mains supply in Canada is 120 V which is compatible with appliances from most countries in North and Central America. Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. If you have single-voltage appliances that are not marked as able to accept the local voltage do not plug them in! If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 220 V or higher you may need a voltage converter or transformer.
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International travellers who need an adaptor can charge their phone in Canada using their normal phone charger with a type A/B plug adaptor. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect their phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Yes, Canada uses the same type A (unearthed) and type B (earthed) sockets as the US.
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Canadian plug adaptors have 2 parallel, flat blades and a round earth pin. Here's a picture of a Canada plug adaptor.
