Type I vs Type K Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type I vs Type K plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A 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 I plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see how does the amperage rating of a type E plug compare to a type J plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type I	Type K
Standard	AS/NZS 3112	DS 60884-2-D1
Pin Configuration	Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin	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	10A	16A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type I and Type K

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

Grounding: Both Type I and Type K 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 K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
Application: Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.

Type I and Type K Compatibility

Type I in Type K 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 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 I 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 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 K travel adapter.

Type I vs Type K plug comparison: Type I 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 I vs Type K Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type I plug fit into a Type K 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 K socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type B versus type C plug shape and socket design compared.

Are Type I and Type K plugs the same?

No. Type I follows the AS/NZS 3112 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in pin design.

Which countries use Type I and Type K plugs?

Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including Australia, China, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. Also see type C vs type G plug.

How can you tell a Type I plug from a Type K 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 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.