Type J vs Type N Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
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. Compare this with difference between type C and type F sockets.
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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.
- 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. Also see type C vs type N plug.
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.
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. For a related pairing, see type D vs type G plug.
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 Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including Brazil, South Africa.
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. For a related pairing, see type D vs type N plug.