Type C vs Type J Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type C vs Type J plugs are compatible in one direction only: an adapter is needed the other way. Type C is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 2.5A at 220-240V, while Type J is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in grounding, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type C plug fits a Type J socket, and vice versa. You might also want type A vs type J plug.

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Adapter Needed Type J needs an adapter for a Type C socket Compatible Adapters	Type C	Type J
Standard	CEE 7/16 (Europlug)	SEV 1011
Pin Configuration	Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)	Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)
Grounding	Ungrounded	Grounded
Pin Count	2	3
Amperage	2.5A	10A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type C and Type J

Here's how Type C and Type J compare, point by point. Compare this with should you choose type A or type G for an international travel adapter.

Grounding: Type C has no grounding. Type J adds a grounding pin or clips to protect against electrical faults.
Pin Size and Shape: Type C: Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart). Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others).
Application: Type C is typically used for low-power, double-insulated devices like phone chargers, razors, and small electronics. Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type C and Type J Compatibility

Type C in Type J Sockets: Type C Europlugs fit into Type J sockets but without grounding connection.

Type J in Type C Sockets: Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) does not fit a Type C socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) 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 C or Type J travel adapter. Also see packing an adapter for a trip that has both type C and type G sockets.

Type C vs Type J plug comparison: Type C and Type J 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: Adapter Needed. — Type C vs Type J Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type C plug fit into a Type J socket?

Type C Europlugs fit into Type J sockets but without grounding connection.

Are Type C and Type J plugs the same?

No. Type C follows the CEE 7/16 (Europlug) standard and Type J follows SEV 1011 — they differ in grounding, pin count.

Which countries use Type C and Type J plugs?

Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia. Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Switzerland, Maldives, Jordan, Liechtenstein. 4 countries use both, including Switzerland, Maldives, Jordan, Liechtenstein. Also see should you choose type D or type M for an international travel adapter.

How can you tell a Type C plug from a Type J plug?

A Type C plug has two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart), and is ungrounded. A Type J plug has two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others), and is grounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them.