Type D vs Type G Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type D is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 5A at 220-240V, while Type G is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 13A 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 G socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type A vs type E plug.
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Type D
|
Type G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | BS 546 | BS 1363 |
| Pin Configuration | Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter) | Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 5A | 13A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type D and Type G
Here's how Type D and Type G compare, point by point. You might also want type J vs type N plug.
- Grounding: Both Type D and Type G 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 G: Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm).
- Application: Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type G is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type D and Type G Compatibility
Type D in Type G 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 G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) without a travel adapter.
Type G in Type D Sockets: Generally no. A Type G plug (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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 G travel adapter.
Does a Type D plug fit into a Type G 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 G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type D and Type G plugs the same?
No. Type D follows the BS 546 standard and Type G follows BS 1363 — they differ in pin design. Compare this with type E vs type K plug.
Which countries use Type D and Type G plugs?
Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Chad. Type G plugs are used in 67 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Ascension Island, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize. 19 countries use both, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Dominica, Ghana. For a related pairing, see type C vs type F plug differences explained.
How can you tell a Type D plug from a Type G 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 G plug has three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.