Canada Electrical Outlets 2026
Plug types, voltage, and frequency for Canada. Essential info for travelers.
Overview
Canada utilizes an electrical system with a standard voltage of one hundred twenty volts and a frequency of sixty hertz. The primary power sockets used throughout the country are the two prong type A and the three prong grounded type B outlets. This configuration is consistent across all provinces and territories and matches the standards found in the United States and Mexico.
Do you need an adapter?
International travelers from outside North America will likely require a plug adapter to connect their devices to Canadian outlets. Carrying a universal adapter that accommodates both grounded and non grounded plugs is recommended to ensure compatibility with different types of wall sockets. These adapters are widely available at airports and electronics stores.
Safety notes
It is essential to verify if electronic devices are dual voltage to prevent damage from the one hundred twenty volt supply. While most modern chargers for phones and laptops are compatible with a range of voltages, high wattage items like curling irons or hair dryers may require a heavy duty voltage transformer if they are single voltage units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada uses plug type(s) A, B. Travelers from countries with different plugs will need an adapter.
The standard voltage in Canada is 120V at 60Hz.
If your home country uses different plug types than A, B, you will need a universal travel adapter.
The standard electrical outlets in Canada are known as type A and type B. Type A outlets have two flat parallel pins, while type B outlets feature two flat parallel pins and a third round grounding pin. Most modern buildings are equipped with type B sockets which are designed to accept both styles of plugs safely.
Yes, the voltage in Canada is one hundred twenty volts, which is significantly lower than the two hundred thirty volt standard used in the United Kingdom. Travelers from the United Kingdom will need a plug adapter for the physical connection and may also require a voltage converter for appliances that are not dual voltage.
A hair dryer from Europe generally cannot be used in Canada without a powerful voltage transformer because most European models are built for two hundred thirty volts. It is often safer and more convenient for travelers to use dual voltage travel hair dryers or to use those provided by hotels during their stay.