Type D vs Type I Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type D vs Type I plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type D is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 5A at 220-240V, while Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A 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 I socket, and vice versa. Compare this with what are the differences between a type A and a type G plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type D	Type I
Standard	BS 546	AS/NZS 3112
Pin Configuration	Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)	Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	5A	10A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type D and Type I

Here's how Type D and Type I compare, point by point.

Grounding: Both Type D and Type I 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 I: Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin.
Application: Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type D and Type I Compatibility

Type D in Type I 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 I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter.

Type I in Type D Sockets: Generally no. A Type I plug (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical 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 I travel adapter.

Type D vs Type I plug comparison: Type D and Type I 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 D vs Type I Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type D plug fit into a Type I 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 I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter.

Are Type D and Type I plugs the same?

No. Type D follows the BS 546 standard and Type I follows AS/NZS 3112 — they differ in pin design.

Which countries use Type D and Type I plugs?

Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including India, Maldives, Nepal, Tanzania, Jordan. Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including Australia, China, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji. 1 countries use both, including Myanmar.

How can you tell a Type D plug from a Type I 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 I plug has two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin, and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above. Next, check is a type J plug compatible with a type L socket.