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Canada Plugs, outlets & travel adapters
Canada uses Type A and B sockets. The mains supply is 120 V at 60 Hz.
Plugbert's take American-style socket families. Check the outlet, grounding and device rating before plugging in.
Do you need a travel adapter for Canada?
It depends on where your plugs come from.
🇺🇸 From the United States
Your plugs fit some compatible outlets in Canada, but not every listed socket design. An adapter may be needed for the outlet you encounter. Check the actual outlet and preserve any grounding your device requires; hybrid connections may not be grounded.
No voltage converter needed. Both countries use 120 V.
United States to Canada in full🇬🇧 From the United Kingdom
You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United Kingdom (Type G) don't fit the Type A and B sockets in Canada. A Type A (US 2-pin) adapter fits the listed socket families there. For grounded devices, get a Type B (US 3-pin) adapter for a compatible grounded outlet instead; it does not fit every listed outlet. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
Canada uses 120 V, lower than the 230 V in the United Kingdom. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. Single-voltage devices may run weakly or not at all.
United Kingdom to Canada in fullFrom other countries
Somewhere else?
Sockets you'll find in Canada
What to expect in Canada
Coming from the US? Start with your existing plugs
Tourism PEI confirms that Canada uses the same outlet types as the US, with 120 V, 60 Hz electricity. Electrical Safety First identifies Type A and B.
An ordinary US Type A or B device does not need a travel adapter for the corresponding Canadian outlet. A two-pin A plug fits a B socket too; a grounded three-pin B plug needs an outlet with the earth opening. Do not remove its third pin to fit a two-hole socket.
What UK and European visitors should pack
A small charger that does not need earth can use a suitable Type A adapter. For grounded devices, choose Type B and check that the adapter accepts your home plug and maintains the earth connection. If buying a universal adapter, confirm which North American output it provides: two pins and three pins serve different needs.
Canada is not a 230 V destination
A plug adapter cannot make a 230 V-only kettle or hair dryer suitable for Canada's 120 V supply. Check the input rating, including frequency, before packing it. A range of 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz includes Canada's listed electricity; other ratings need their manufacturer's compatibility guidance.
Heading south afterward? Mexico's nominal voltage differs, even though the plug families look familiar.
Will your devices work in Canada?
Sockets in Canada supply 120 V. Find the "input" line on each device or its charger. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. Check that the input frequency also covers 60 Hz. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage or frequency. For switchable devices, follow the manufacturer's instructions before plugging in.
Often rated 100–240 V; confirm on the charger: phone charger, laptop charger, camera battery charger.
Check the label first: electric toothbrush, electric shaver, CPAP machine, hair straightener / curler.
Usually single voltage: hair dryer, kettle / coffee maker, anything with a heating element.
Plug twins
These countries list the same plug types and a similar voltage range. Check each guide for socket variants and local exceptions.