Type K vs Type M Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type K vs Type M plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type K is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 K plug fits a Type M socket, and vice versa. You might also want how does the amperage rating of a type J plug compare to a type N plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type K	Type M
Standard	DS 60884-2-D1	BS 546 (15A)
Pin Configuration	Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)	Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	16A	15A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type K and Type M

Here's how Type K and Type M compare, point by point.

Grounding: Both Type K and Type M are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin). Type M: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter).
Application: Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type M is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.

Type K and Type M Compatibility

Type K in Type M 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 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 K 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 K socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type A vs type K plug.

If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type K or Type M travel adapter.

Type K vs Type M plug comparison: Type K and Type M 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 K vs Type M Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type K plug fit into a Type M socket?

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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type K and Type M plugs the same?

No. Type K follows the DS 60884-2-D1 standard and Type M follows BS 546 (15A) — they differ in pin design.

Which countries use Type K and Type M plugs?

Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including India, South Africa, Nepal, Namibia, Mozambique. For a related pairing, see comparing type F and type K plugs for international travel.

How can you tell a Type K plug from a Type M plug?

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. 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.