Type J vs Type N Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type J vs Type N plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type J 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 J plug fits a Type N socket, and vice versa. Next, check what is the difference between type H and type L electrical sockets.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type J	Type N
Standard	SEV 1011	IEC 60906-1
Pin Configuration	Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)	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 J and Type N

Here's how Type J and Type N compare, point by point. Compare this with what is the difference between type C and type F electrical sockets.

Grounding: Both Type J and Type N are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others). Type N: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A).
Application: Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type N is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type J and Type N Compatibility

Type J in Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter.

Type N in Type J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with packing an adapter for a trip that has both type C and type N 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 N travel adapter.

Type J vs Type N plug comparison: Type J and Type N wall sockets and plugs side by side, with the verdict and which way each plug fits, a specification table, key differences and how to tell them apart. Verdict: Not Compatible. — Type J vs Type N Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type J plug fit into a Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type J and Type N plugs the same?

No. Type J follows the SEV 1011 standard and Type N follows IEC 60906-1 — they differ in voltage rating.

Which countries use Type J and Type N plugs?

Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Switzerland, Maldives, Jordan, Liechtenstein. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including South Africa, Brazil. Also see does a type A plug fit into a type B socket.

How can you tell a Type J plug from a Type N 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 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.