Type G vs Type K Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type G is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 13A at 220-240V, while Type K is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type G plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type I vs type M plug.
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Type G
|
Type K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | BS 1363 | DS 60884-2-D1 |
| Pin Configuration | Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm) | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 13A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type G and Type K
Here's how Type G and Type K compare, point by point. Also see can i use a type F adapter for type L.
- Grounding: Both Type G and Type K are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type G: Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm). Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
- Application: Type G 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 G and Type K Compatibility
Type G in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type G plug (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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 G 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 G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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 G or Type K travel adapter. Also see type B vs type E plug.
Does a Type G plug fit into a Type K socket?
Generally no. A Type G plug (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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 G and Type K plugs the same?
No. Type G follows the BS 1363 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type G and Type K plugs?
Type G plugs are used in 67 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Ascension Island, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 2 countries use both, including Bangladesh, Maldives.
How can you tell a Type G plug from a Type K plug?
A Type G plug has three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm), 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 size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.