Type D vs Type E Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type D is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 5A at 220-240V, while Type E is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type D plug fits a Type E socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type N vs type O plug.
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Type D
|
Type E
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | BS 546 | CEE 7/5 |
| Pin Configuration | Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter) | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 2 |
| Amperage | 5A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type D and Type E
Here's how Type D and Type E compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type D and Type E are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type D: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter). Type E: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin.
- Application: Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type E is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type D and Type E Compatibility
Type D in Type E Sockets: Generally no. A Type D plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)) does not fit a Type E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) without a travel adapter.
Type E in Type D Sockets: Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) does not fit a Type D socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm 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 D or Type E travel adapter. For a related pairing, see type E vs type M plug.
Does a Type D plug fit into a Type E socket?
Generally no. A Type D plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)) does not fit a Type E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) without a travel adapter.
Are Type D and Type E plugs the same?
No. Type D follows the BS 546 standard and Type E follows CEE 7/5 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type D and Type E plugs?
Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Chad. Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon. 3 countries use both, including Chad, Niger, Senegal. Also see does a type A plug fit a type D socket.
How can you tell a Type D plug from a Type E plug?
A Type D plug has three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type E plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin, and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin count: 3 vs 2.