Type D vs Type K Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
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. Also see type A vs type I plug.
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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. For a related pairing, see type C vs type E plug.
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.
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 Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Chad. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 3 countries use both, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Senegal. Compare this with type H vs type J plug.
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.