Type I vs Type O Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A at 220-240V, while Type O 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 O socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see type A vs type E plug.
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Type I
|
Type O
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | AS/NZS 3112 | TIS 166-2549 |
| Pin Configuration | Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin | Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 10A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type I and Type O
Here's how Type I and Type O compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type I and Type O 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 O: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin).
- Application: Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type O is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type I and Type O Compatibility
Type I in Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter.
Type O in Type I Sockets: Generally no. A Type O plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding 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 O travel adapter. Compare this with type G vs type M plug.
Does a Type I plug fit into a Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter. You might also want type M vs type N plug.
Are Type I and Type O plugs the same?
No. Type I follows the AS/NZS 3112 standard and Type O follows TIS 166-2549 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type I and Type O plugs?
Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. Type O plugs are used in 1 countries, including Thailand.
How can you tell a Type I plug from a Type O 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 O plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.