Type J vs Type M Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type J 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 J plug fits a Type M socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see type D vs type J plug.
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Type J
|
Type M
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | SEV 1011 | BS 546 (15A) |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others) | 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 J and Type M
Here's how Type J and Type M compare, point by point. Compare this with can i use a type A adapter for type B.
- Grounding: Both Type J and Type M are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others). Type M: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter).
- Application: Type J 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 J and Type M Compatibility
Type J in Type M 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 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 J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see type F vs type H plug.
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 M travel adapter.
Does a Type J plug fit into a Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type J and Type M plugs the same?
No. Type J follows the SEV 1011 standard and Type M follows BS 546 (15A) — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type J and Type M plugs?
Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Eswatini, India, Lakshadweep, Lesotho.
How can you tell a Type J plug from a Type M 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 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.