Type F vs Type J Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type F is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V, while Type J 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 J socket, and vice versa. Also see type H vs type K plug.
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Type F
|
Type J
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/4 (Schuko) | SEV 1011 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides | Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 10A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type F and Type J
Here's how Type F and Type J compare, point by point. For a related pairing, see type B vs type L plug.
- Grounding: Both Type F and Type J are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides. Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others).
- Application: Type F is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type F and Type J Compatibility
Type F in Type J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter.
Type J in Type F Sockets: Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) 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 J travel adapter.
Does a Type F plug fit into a Type J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type F and Type J plugs the same?
No. Type F follows the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) standard and Type J follows SEV 1011 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type F and Type J plugs?
Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland. 1 countries use both, including Jordan.
How can you tell a Type F plug from a Type J plug?
A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, and is grounded. A Type J plug has two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin count: 2 vs 3. Also see type C vs type J plug differences explained.