Type J vs Type K Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type J 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 J plug fits a Type K socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type G vs type N plug.
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Type J
|
Type K
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | SEV 1011 | DS 60884-2-D1 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others) | 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 J and Type K
Here's how Type J and Type K compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type J and Type K are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others). Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin).
- Application: Type J 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 J and Type K Compatibility
Type J in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) 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 J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with difference between type A and type F sockets.
If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type J or Type K travel adapter.
Does a Type J plug fit into a Type K socket?
Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) 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.
Are Type J and Type K plugs the same?
No. Type J follows the SEV 1011 standard and Type K follows DS 60884-2-D1 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type J and Type K plugs?
Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland. Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 1 countries use both, including Maldives. Also see type E vs type O plug.
How can you tell a Type J plug from a Type K plug?
A Type J plug has two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others), 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.