Type E vs Type J Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type E is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 E plug fits a Type J socket, and vice versa. You might also want type B vs type C plug.
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Type E
|
Type J
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/5 | SEV 1011 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin | Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 10A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type E and Type J
Here's how Type E and Type J compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type E and Type J are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type E: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin. Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others).
- Application: Type E is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type E and Type J Compatibility
Type E in Type J Sockets: Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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 E 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 E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) without a travel adapter. Also see type C vs type G plug differences explained.
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 J travel adapter. Also see type I vs type K plug.
Does a Type E plug fit into a Type J socket?
Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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.
Are Type E and Type J plugs the same?
No. Type E follows the CEE 7/5 standard and Type J follows SEV 1011 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type E and Type J plugs?
Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon. Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland.
How can you tell a Type E plug from a Type J plug?
A Type E plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin, 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 count: 2 vs 3.