Type C vs Type K Plugs: Grounding & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type C is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 2.5A at 220-240V, while Type K is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 K socket, and vice versa. Also see type K vs type O plug.
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Type C
|
Type K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/16 (Europlug) | DS 60884-2-D1 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart) | 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 | 2.5A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type C and Type K
Here's how Type C and Type K compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Type C has no grounding. Type K 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 K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
- Application: Type C is typically used for low-power, double-insulated devices like phone chargers, razors, and small electronics. Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type C and Type K Compatibility
Type C in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type C plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) 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 C 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 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 K travel adapter. You might also want difference between type C and type G sockets.
Does a Type C plug fit into a Type K socket?
Generally no. A Type C plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) 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 C and Type K plugs the same?
No. Type C follows the CEE 7/16 (Europlug) standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in grounding, pin count. Next, check type B vs type C plug.
Which countries use Type C and Type K plugs?
Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andorra. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 7 countries use both, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea.
How can you tell a Type C plug from a Type K plug?
A Type C plug has two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart), 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.