Type F vs Type I Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type F vs Type I plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type F 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 F plug fits a Type I socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see will a type D plug work in a type K socket without an adapter.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type F	Type I
Standard	CEE 7/4 (Schuko)	AS/NZS 3112
Pin Configuration	Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides	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 F and Type I

Here's how Type F and Type I compare, point by point. For a related pairing, see why a type E plug is grounded and a type C plug is not.

Grounding: Both Type F and Type I are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides. Type I: Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin.
Application: Type F 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 F and Type I Compatibility

Type F in Type I 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 I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter.

Type I in Type F 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 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 I travel adapter.

Type F vs Type I plug comparison: Type F and Type I 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 F vs Type I Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type F plug fit into a Type I 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 I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) without a travel adapter. Also see what adapter converts a type A plug to a type I socket.

Are Type F and Type I plugs the same?

No. Type F follows the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) standard and Type I follows AS/NZS 3112 — they differ in pin count.

Which countries use Type F and Type I plugs?

Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Indonesia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Greece. Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including Australia, China, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji. 2 countries use both, including American Samoa, East Timor.

How can you tell a Type F plug from a Type I plug?

A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, 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.