Type D vs Type J Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type D vs Type J 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 J 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 J socket, and vice versa. Compare this with how do i tell a type J plug apart from a type M plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type D	Type J
Standard	BS 546	SEV 1011
Pin Configuration	Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter)	Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	5A	10A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type D and Type J

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

Grounding: Both Type D and Type J 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 J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others).
Application: Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type D and Type J Compatibility

Type D in Type J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter.

Type J in Type D Sockets: Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) 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 J travel adapter.

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

Does a Type D plug fit into a Type J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see how the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) standard for type F compares to SI 32 for type H.

Are Type D and Type J plugs the same?

No. Type D follows the BS 546 standard and Type J follows SEV 1011 — they differ in pin design. Also see why a type B plug is grounded and a type A plug is not.

Which countries use Type D and Type J plugs?

Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including India, Maldives, Nepal, Tanzania, Jordan. Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Switzerland, Maldives, Jordan, Liechtenstein. 2 countries use both, including Maldives, Jordan.

How can you tell a Type D plug from a Type J 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 J plug has two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.