Type C vs Type N Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type C vs Type N 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 N is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/20A at 100-240V. The two differ mainly in grounding, voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type C plug fits a Type N socket, and vice versa. You might also want how the pin configuration of a type D plug differs from a type G plug.

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Adapter Needed Type N needs an adapter for a Type C socket Compatible Adapters	Type C	Type N
Standard	CEE 7/16 (Europlug)	IEC 60906-1
Pin Configuration	Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)	Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)
Grounding	Ungrounded	Grounded
Pin Count	2	3
Amperage	2.5A	10A/20A
Voltage Range	220-240V	100-240V

Key Differences Between Type C and Type N

Here's how Type C and Type N compare, point by point. Also see what adapter converts a type J plug to a type N socket.

Grounding: Type C has no grounding. Type N 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 N: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A).
Application: Type C is typically used for low-power, double-insulated devices like phone chargers, razors, and small electronics. Type N is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type C and Type N Compatibility

Type C in Type N Sockets: Type C Europlugs fit into Type N sockets but without grounding. For a related pairing, see how the pin configuration of a type L plug differs from a type M plug.

Type N in Type C Sockets: Generally no. A Type N plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) does not fit a Type C socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type C versus type F plug shape and socket design compared.

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 N travel adapter.

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

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

Type C Europlugs fit into Type N sockets but without grounding.

Are Type C and Type N plugs the same?

No. Type C follows the CEE 7/16 (Europlug) standard and Type N follows IEC 60906-1 — they differ in grounding, pin count, voltage rating.

Which countries use Type C and Type N plugs?

Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including South Africa, Brazil. 2 countries use both, including South Africa, Brazil.

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

A Type C plug has two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart), and is ungrounded. A Type N plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A), and is grounded. The quickest tell is the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them.