Type F vs Type K Plugs: Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type F 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 F plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. You might also want type A vs type N plug.
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Type F
|
Type K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/4 (Schuko) | DS 60884-2-D1 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides | 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 F and Type K
Here's how Type F and Type K compare, point by point. Next, check does a type J plug fit a type N socket.
- Grounding: Both Type F and Type K are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides. Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
- Application: Type F 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 F and Type K Compatibility
Type F in Type K 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 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 F 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 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 K travel adapter.
Does a Type F plug fit into a Type K 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 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 F and Type K plugs the same?
No. Type F follows the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type F and Type K plugs?
Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 4 countries use both, including Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. Next, check type B vs type M plug.
How can you tell a Type F plug from a Type K plug?
A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, 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.