Type E vs Type K Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type E vs Type K plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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. Also see type G plugs run on 220-240V while type J plugs run on 220-240V.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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.

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. Next, check how the pin configuration of a type D plug differs from a type G plug.

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. Compare this with should you choose type M or type N for an international travel adapter.

Type E vs Type K plug comparison: Type E and Type K wall sockets and plugs side by side, with the verdict and which way each plug fits, a specification table, key differences and how to tell them apart. Verdict: Not Compatible. — Type E vs Type K Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

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 France, Morocco, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. 4 countries use both, including Denmark, Senegal, Greenland, Faroe Islands.

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.