Type I vs Type N Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A at 220-240V, while Type N is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/20A at 100-240V. The two differ mainly in voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type I plug fits a Type N socket, and vice versa. You might also want type B vs type F plug.
Swipe to compare
Type I
|
Type N
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | AS/NZS 3112 | IEC 60906-1 |
| Pin Configuration | Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin | Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 10A | 10A/20A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 100-240V |
Key Differences Between Type I and Type N
Here's how Type I and Type N compare, point by point. Compare this with difference between type A and type D sockets.
- Grounding: Both Type I and Type N 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 N: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A).
- Application: Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type N is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type I and Type N Compatibility
Type I in Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter. You might also want type G vs type I plug.
Type N in Type I Sockets: Generally no. A Type N plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) 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 N travel adapter.
Does a Type I plug fit into a Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type I and Type N plugs the same?
No. Type I follows the AS/NZS 3112 standard and Type N follows IEC 60906-1 — they differ in voltage rating.
Which countries use Type I and Type N plugs?
Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including Brazil, South Africa.
How can you tell a Type I plug from a Type N 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 N plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.