Type C vs Type K Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type C vs Type K plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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. For a related pairing, see will a type G plug work in a type I socket without an adapter.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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. Also see is it safe to use a type C device on a type G socket.

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.

Type C vs Type K plug comparison: Type C 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 C vs Type K Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

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. For a related pairing, see type B vs type F socket.

Which countries use Type C and Type K plugs?

Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. 7 countries use both, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland.

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.