Type F vs Type M Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type F is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V, while Type M is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A 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 M socket, and vice versa. Also see type B vs type N plug.
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Type F
|
Type M
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/4 (Schuko) | BS 546 (15A) |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides | Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 15A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type F and Type M
Here's how Type F and Type M compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type F and Type M are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides. Type M: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter).
- Application: Type F is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type M is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type F and Type M Compatibility
Type F in Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.
Type M in Type F Sockets: Generally no. A Type M plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) 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 M travel adapter. Also see difference between type C and type D sockets.
Does a Type F plug fit into a Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type F and Type M plugs the same?
No. Type F follows the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) standard and Type M follows BS 546 (15A) — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type F and Type M plugs?
Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Eswatini, India, Lakshadweep, Lesotho. 1 countries use both, including Mozambique. Compare this with type K vs type N plug.
How can you tell a Type F plug from a Type M plug?
A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, and is grounded. A Type M plug has three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin count: 2 vs 3.