Type K vs Type O Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type K vs Type O 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 O is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type K plug fits a Type O socket, and vice versa. Next, check what is the difference between type E and type G electrical sockets.

Swipe to compare

Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type K	Type O
Standard	DS 60884-2-D1	TIS 166-2549
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 (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	16A	16A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type K and Type O

Here's how Type K and Type O compare, point by point. Also see how do i tell a type C plug apart from a type L plug.

Grounding: Both Type K and Type O 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 O: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin).
Application: Type K is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type O is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.

Type K and Type O Compatibility

Type K in Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter.

Type O in Type K Sockets: Generally no. A Type O plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) 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 O travel adapter. Next, check can i use a type B adapter with a type O socket.

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

Does a Type K plug fit into a Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type K and Type O plugs the same?

No. Type K follows the DS 60884-2-D1 standard and Type O follows TIS 166-2549 — they differ in pin design.

Which countries use Type K and Type O plugs?

Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. Type O plugs are used in 1 countries, including Thailand.

How can you tell a Type K plug from a Type O 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 O plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.