Type F vs Type I Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
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. Also see type B vs type K plug.
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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. Also see type D vs type O plug.
- 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. Compare this with is type C compatible with type E.
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.
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 Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. 2 countries use both, including American Samoa, East Timor (Timor-Leste).
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.