Type D vs Type N Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type D is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 5A at 220-240V, while Type N is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/20A at 100-240V. The two differ mainly in voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type D plug fits a Type N socket, and vice versa. You might also want type B vs type J plug.
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Type D
|
Type N
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | BS 546 | IEC 60906-1 |
| Pin Configuration | Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter) | Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 5A | 10A/20A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 100-240V |
Key Differences Between Type D and Type N
Here's how Type D and Type N compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type D and Type N 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 N: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A).
- Application: Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type N is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type D and Type N Compatibility
Type D in Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter.
Type N in Type D Sockets: Generally no. A Type N plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) 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 N travel adapter.
Does a Type D plug fit into a Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter. Also see type K vs type M plug.
Are Type D and Type N plugs the same?
No. Type D follows the BS 546 standard and Type N follows IEC 60906-1 — they differ in voltage rating.
Which countries use Type D and Type N plugs?
Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Chad. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including Brazil, South Africa. Compare this with can i use a type J adapter for type N.
How can you tell a Type D plug from a Type N 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 N plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.