Type K vs Type N Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type K is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 K plug fits a Type N socket, and vice versa. You might also want type F vs type M plug.
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Type K
|
Type N
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | DS 60884-2-D1 | IEC 60906-1 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin) | Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 10A/20A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 100-240V |
Key Differences Between Type K and Type N
Here's how Type K and Type N compare, point by point. For a related pairing, see difference between type C and type D sockets.
- Grounding: Both Type K and Type N 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 N: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A).
- Application: Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type N is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type K and Type N Compatibility
Type K in Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type H vs type M plug.
Type N in Type K 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 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 N travel adapter.
Does a Type K plug fit into a Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type K and Type N plugs the same?
No. Type K follows the DS 60884-2-D1 standard and Type N follows IEC 60906-1 — they differ in voltage rating.
Which countries use Type K and Type N plugs?
Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including Brazil, South Africa.
How can you tell a Type K plug from a Type N 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 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.