Type K vs Type M Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
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. For a related pairing, see type D vs type N plug.
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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. Also see difference between type J and type N sockets.
- 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.
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.
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 Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Eswatini, India, Lakshadweep, Lesotho. For a related pairing, see type H vs type L plug.
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.