Type K vs Type O Plugs: Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
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. Also see type C to type L plug adapter.
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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.
- 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. For a related pairing, see type C 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 O travel adapter.
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. You might also want type E vs type G plug.
Which countries use Type K and Type O plugs?
Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea. 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.