Type A vs Type K Plugs: Grounding & Voltage Differences & Compatibility
Type A is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type K is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in grounding, voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type A plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. You might also want type H vs type L plug.
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Type A
|
Type K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | NEMA 1-15 | DS 60884-2-D1 |
| Pin Configuration | Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide) | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin) |
| Grounding | Ungrounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 15A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 100-127V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type A and Type K
Here's how Type A and Type K compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Type A has no grounding. Type K adds a grounding pin or clips to protect against electrical faults.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type A: Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide). Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
- Application: Type A is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type A and Type K Compatibility
Type A in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type A plug (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) does not fit a Type K socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) without a travel adapter.
Type K in Type A Sockets: Generally no. A Type K plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) does not fit a Type A socket (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see difference between type J and type N sockets.
If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type A or Type K travel adapter.
Does a Type A plug fit into a Type K socket?
Generally no. A Type A plug (Two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide)) does not fit a Type K socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type A and Type K plugs the same?
No. Type A follows the NEMA 1-15 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in grounding, pin count, voltage rating.
Which countries use Type A and Type K plugs?
Type A plugs are used in 61 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 1 countries use both, including Bangladesh. You might also want type B vs type M plug.
How can you tell a Type A plug from a Type K plug?
A Type A plug has two flat parallel pins (15.9mm apart, 15.9mm long, 6.3mm wide), and is ungrounded. A Type K plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin), and is grounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them.