Type I vs Type K Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
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. Also see type L vs type O plug.
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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. Next, check type E vs type J plug.
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.
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. For a related pairing, see type C vs type G plug differences explained.
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 American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea.
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.