Type E vs Type I Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type E is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 E plug fits a Type I socket, and vice versa. Also see type C vs type I plug.
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Type E
|
Type I
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/5 | AS/NZS 3112 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin | Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 10A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type E and Type I
Here's how Type E and Type I compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type E and Type I are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type E: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin. Type I: Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin.
- Application: Type E is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type E and Type I Compatibility
Type E in Type I Sockets: Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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. You might also want type A vs type O plug.
Type I in Type E 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 E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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 E or Type I travel adapter.
Does a Type E plug fit into a Type I socket?
Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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 E and Type I plugs the same?
No. Type E follows the CEE 7/5 standard and Type I follows AS/NZS 3112 — they differ in pin count. Also see type A vs type C plug differences explained.
Which countries use Type E and Type I plugs?
Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon. Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. 1 countries use both, including East Timor (Timor-Leste).
How can you tell a Type E plug from a Type I plug?
A Type E plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin, 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 count: 2 vs 3.