Type F vs Type H Plugs: Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type F is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V, while Type H 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 F plug fits a Type H socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see type H vs type I plug.
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Type F
|
Type H
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/4 (Schuko) | SI 32 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides | Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type F and Type H
Here's how Type F and Type H compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type F and Type H are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides. Type H: Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length).
- Application: Type F is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type H is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type F and Type H Compatibility
Type F in Type H Sockets: Generally no. A Type F plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) does not fit a Type H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) without a travel adapter.
Type H in Type F Sockets: Generally no. A Type H plug (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) does not fit a Type F socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) 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 F or Type H travel adapter.
Does a Type F plug fit into a Type H socket?
Generally no. A Type F plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) does not fit a Type H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type J vs type M plug.
Are Type F and Type H plugs the same?
No. Type F follows the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) standard and Type H follows SI 32 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type F and Type H plugs?
Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. Type H plugs are used in 3 countries, including Gaza Strip, Israel, Palestine. Next, check difference between type A and type B sockets.
How can you tell a Type F plug from a Type H plug?
A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, and is grounded. A Type H plug has three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin count: 2 vs 3.