Type I vs Type M Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A at 220-240V, while Type M is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A 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 M socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type G vs type K plug.
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Type I
|
Type M
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | AS/NZS 3112 | BS 546 (15A) |
| Pin Configuration | Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin | Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 10A | 15A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type I and Type M
Here's how Type I and Type M compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type I and Type M 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 M: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter).
- Application: Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type M is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type I and Type M Compatibility
Type I in Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.
Type M in Type I Sockets: Generally no. A Type M plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) 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 M travel adapter. You might also want type F to type L plug adapter.
Does a Type I plug fit into a Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type I and Type M plugs the same?
No. Type I follows the AS/NZS 3112 standard and Type M follows BS 546 (15A) — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type I and Type M plugs?
Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Eswatini, India, Lakshadweep, Lesotho. For a related pairing, see type E vs type L plug.
How can you tell a Type I plug from a Type M 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 M plug has three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.