Type I vs Type J Plugs: Pin Design Differences & Compatibility

Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A at 220-240V, while Type J is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type I plug fits a Type J socket, and vice versa. Also see type B vs type E plug.

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Type I power plug and wall socket
Type I
Type J power plug and wall socket
Type J
Standard AS/NZS 3112 SEV 1011
Pin Configuration Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)
Grounding Grounded Grounded
Pin Count 3 3
Amperage 10A 10A
Voltage Range 220-240V 220-240V

Key Differences Between Type I and Type J

Here's how Type I and Type J compare, point by point.

  • Grounding: Both Type I and Type J are grounded.
  • Pin Size and Shape: Type I: Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin. Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others).
  • Application: Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type I and Type J Compatibility

Type I in Type J Sockets: Generally no. A Type I plug (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) does not fit a Type J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter.

Type J in Type I Sockets: Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) does not fit a Type I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) 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 I or Type J travel adapter. For a related pairing, see is type A compatible with type C.

Does a Type I plug fit into a Type J socket?

Generally no. A Type I plug (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin) does not fit a Type J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type I and Type J plugs the same?

No. Type I follows the AS/NZS 3112 standard and Type J follows SEV 1011 — they differ in pin design.

Which countries use Type I and Type J plugs?

Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland. Next, check type L vs type N plug.

How can you tell a Type I plug from a Type J plug?

A Type I plug has two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin, and is grounded. A Type J plug has two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.