Type E vs Type K Plugs: Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type E is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V, while Type K is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type E plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type L vs type M plug.
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Type E
|
Type K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/5 | DS 60884-2-D1 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type E and Type K
Here's how Type E and Type K compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type E and Type K are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type E: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin. Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
- Application: Type E is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type E and Type K Compatibility
Type E in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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. Next, check difference between type D and type G sockets.
Type K in Type E 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 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 K travel adapter.
Does a Type E plug fit into a Type K socket?
Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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 E and Type K plugs the same?
No. Type E follows the CEE 7/5 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type E and Type K plugs?
Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 4 countries use both, including Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Senegal. For a related pairing, see type G vs type J plug.
How can you tell a Type E plug from a Type K plug?
A Type E plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin, 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 count: 2 vs 3.