Type D vs Type I Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility

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 type G vs type O plug.

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Type D power plug and wall socket
Type D
Type I power plug and wall socket
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. You might also want can i use a type A adapter for type G.

  • 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. Also see type J vs type L plug.

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.

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 Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Chad. Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. 1 countries use both, including Myanmar (Burma).

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.