Type H vs Type K Plugs: Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type H is a 3-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 H plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. You might also want does a type C plug fit a type J socket.
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Type H
|
Type K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | SI 32 | DS 60884-2-D1 |
| Pin Configuration | Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length) | 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 | 16A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type H and Type K
Here's how Type H and Type K compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type H and Type K are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type H: Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length). Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
- Application: Type H 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 H and Type K Compatibility
Type H in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type H plug (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) 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 H 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 H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) 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 H or Type K travel adapter. Compare this with type F vs type J plug.
Does a Type H plug fit into a Type K socket?
Generally no. A Type H plug (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) 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 H and Type K plugs the same?
No. Type H follows the SI 32 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type H and Type K plugs?
Type H plugs are used in 3 countries, including Gaza Strip, Israel, Palestine. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. For a related pairing, see type A vs type J plug.
How can you tell a Type H plug from a Type K plug?
A Type H plug has three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length), 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.