Type B vs Type K Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type B vs Type K plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type B is a 3-pin, grounded 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 voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type B plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. Compare this with can i use a type C adapter with a type E socket.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type B	Type K
Standard	NEMA 5-15	DS 60884-2-D1
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)	Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	15A	16A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type B and Type K

Here's how Type B and Type K compare, point by point. You might also want type H versus type J plug shape and socket design compared.

Grounding: Both Type B and Type K are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
Application: Type B 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 B and Type K Compatibility

Type B in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) 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 B 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 B socket (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.

If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type B or Type K travel adapter.

Type B vs Type K plug comparison: Type B and Type K wall sockets and plugs side by side, with the verdict and which way each plug fits, a specification table, key differences and how to tell them apart. Verdict: Not Compatible. — Type B vs Type K Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type B plug fit into a Type K socket?

Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) 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. Compare this with what are the differences between a type A and a type I plug.

Are Type B and Type K plugs the same?

No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in voltage rating.

Which countries use Type B and Type K plugs?

Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland.

How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type K plug?

A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. 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 pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.