Power Plugs and Sockets in the United States - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to the United States 🇺🇸 from Myanmar 🇲🇲, then YES, you will need an adapter.
In the United States, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz. On the other hand, in Myanmar, the plug types used are C, D, F and G. The voltage in Myanmar is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Type A
Type B
⚠️ Your devices from Myanmar of type C, D, F and G will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.
⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In the United States they use 120 V while in Myanmar you have 230 V.
What are the plugs like in the United States?
In the United States, the predominant plug types are A and B. If you are coming from Myanmar, then your devices are of type C, D, F or G.
For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in the United States are not compatible with the devices from Myanmar and you will not be able to use your devices.
In the United States, 240 volts (2 phases) are used for higher power applications such as air conditioners, dryers, ovens, stoves, and water heaters. Buildings with dual circuit wiring have both 120 and 240 volts available. According to the National Electrical Code, type B outlets are now required for both new constructions and renovations, as well as a T-slot type B outlet for 20 A for use in kitchens or other areas.
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to the United States?
It is important to know that in the United States the electrical voltage is 120 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. In Myanmar, the electrical voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50Hz.
Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in the United States. However, it is important to mention that nowadays many electronic devices (such as mobile phones) are dual voltage, in which case a converter would not be necessary. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, we show you how to verify if your devices are dual voltage.
Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in the United States.
- What are the plugs like in the United States?
- Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to the United States?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in the United States?
- Can I plug in my laptop charger in the United States?
- Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in the United States?
- How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?
- What happens if I connect a 230 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 the United States.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in the United States?
If you are travelling from Myanmar to the United States, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you will need an adapter in the United States to charge your iPhone or Android.
Can I plug in my laptop charger in the United States?
If you are travelling from Myanmar to the United States, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Myanmar and the United States have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in the United States.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in the United States?
The truth is that you have to be careful with products like hair dryers or hair straighteners, because they are generally not dual voltage. Since the voltage difference is so great between Myanmar and the United States, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in the United States.
However, since the plugs in the United States and Myanmar are not compatible, you will need a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer.
How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?
To know if your electrical device is dual voltage, you must check the label or product specifications. If the label indicates a voltage range, such as 100~240V and a frequency range like 50~60Hz, then your device is dual voltage and can be used without any problems. If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter to be able to use it in sockets in the United States with a different voltage than your device.
However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to the United States from Myanmar, you will still need a plug adapter.
What happens if I connect a 230 V device to a 120 V socket without an adapter?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 230 V device from Myanmar to a 120 V socket in the United States without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to the United States, make sure you have a voltage adapter.
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 the United States 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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