Type G vs Type K Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type G vs Type K plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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. You might also want should you choose type F or type L for an international travel adapter.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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.

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. For a related pairing, see which countries use type M plugs versus type O plugs.

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.

Type G vs Type K plug comparison: Type G and Type K wall sockets and plugs side by side, with the verdict and which way each plug fits, a specification table, key differences and how to tell them apart. Verdict: Not Compatible. — Type G vs Type K Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

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. You might also want packing an adapter for a trip that has both type C and type O sockets.

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 66 countries, including United Kingdom, Singapore, Ireland, Hong Kong, Dubai. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. 2 countries use both, including Maldives, Bangladesh.

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.