Type D vs Type K Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type D vs Type K 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 K is a 3-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 K socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see type J vs type O plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type D	Type K
Standard	BS 546	DS 60884-2-D1
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 grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	5A	16A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type D and Type K

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

Grounding: Both Type D and Type K 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 K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
Application: Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.

Type D and Type K Compatibility

Type D in Type K 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 K socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) without a travel adapter.

Type K in Type D Sockets: Generally no. A Type K plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground 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 K travel adapter. You might also want type F versus type I plug shape and socket design compared.

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

Does a Type D plug fit into a Type K 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 K socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type D and Type K plugs the same?

No. Type D follows the BS 546 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in pin design.

Which countries use Type D and Type K plugs?

Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including India, Maldives, Nepal, Tanzania, Jordan. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. 3 countries use both, including Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal.

How can you tell a Type D plug from a Type K 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 K plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above. You might also want is it safe to use a type C device on a type E socket.