Power Plugs and Sockets in Canada - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to Canada 🇨🇦 from Barbados 🇧🇧, then NO, you will not need an adapter.
In Canada, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz. On the other hand, in Barbados, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Barbados is 115 V with a frequency of 50Hz.


Type A


Type B
✅ Your devices from Barbados of type A and B will be valid and will work without an adapter.
What are the plugs like in Canada?
In Canada, the predominant plug types are A and B. If you are coming from Barbados, then your devices are of type A or B.
In this sense, you will not have any problems with your electronic devices, as the plugs in Canada are compatible with the devices from Barbados.
In Canada, the standard voltage is set at 120 V. Meanwhile, 240 V is employed for specific applications such as dryers, air conditioning units, ovens, and machinery. Buildings with dual circuits are required to accommodate both voltages. Type A outlets are only used for replacing existing ones, while new constructions implement type B outlets. In new kitchens, a 20 A type B outlet is installed.
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Canada?
It is important to know that in Canada the electrical voltage is 120 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. In Barbados, the electrical voltage is 115 V and the frequency is 50Hz.
For this reason, you will not need a voltage converter to use your devices from Barbados in Canada.
- What are the plugs like in Canada?
- Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Canada?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Canada?
- Can I plug in my laptop charger in Canada?
- Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Canada?
- What happens if I connect a 115 V device to a 120 V socket without an adapter?
- What happens if I connect a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket without an adapter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Canada.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Canada?
If you are travelling from Barbados to Canada, you will be able to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device without any problems. Nowadays, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not need an adapter in Canada to charge your iPhone or Android.
Can I plug in my laptop charger in Canada?
If you are travelling from Barbados to Canada, you will be able to charge your laptop without any problems. Nowadays, laptops are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not need an adapter in Canada to charge your laptop.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Canada?
Yes, with respect to voltage and frequency, you will be able to use devices such as your hair dryer or hair straightener in Canada without any problems.
What happens if I connect a 115 V device to a 120 V socket without an adapter?
Fortunately, most devices can operate with a small voltage difference. Therefore, you will not have any problem connecting a 115 V device to a 120 V socket in Canada without a voltage adapter. The worst that can happen is that the device will heat up slightly.
What happens if I connect a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket without an adapter?
When connecting a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket in Canada without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a faster speed than expected. Most electronic devices nowadays should not be damaged, but it is true that in older devices, the motors could heat up and risk being damaged.
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