Type K vs Type N Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type K vs Type N 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 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 E versus type I plug shape and socket design compared.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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.

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 which countries use type C plugs versus type D plugs.

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.

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

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 Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including South Africa, Brazil.

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. Compare this with what is the difference between type A and type L electrical sockets.