Type G vs Type O Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type G is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 13A at 220-240V, while Type O 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 O socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see type B vs type I plug.
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Type G
|
Type O
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | BS 1363 | TIS 166-2549 |
| Pin Configuration | Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm) | Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 13A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type G and Type O
Here's how Type G and Type O compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type G and Type O are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type G: Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm). Type O: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin).
- Application: Type G is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type O is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type G and Type O Compatibility
Type G in Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter. You might also want type D vs type I plug.
Type O in Type G Sockets: Generally no. A Type O plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding 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 O travel adapter.
Does a Type G plug fit into a Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type G and Type O plugs the same?
No. Type G follows the BS 1363 standard and Type O follows TIS 166-2549 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type G and Type O plugs?
Type G plugs are used in 67 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Ascension Island, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize. Type O plugs are used in 1 countries, including Thailand.
How can you tell a Type G plug from a Type O 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 O plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above. Also see type A vs type G plug.