Outlet Type D: need a travel adapter or not?

When you’re packing your bags and heading to countries like India and Nepal, you’ll quickly find out they use type D outlets there.

The type D outlet is a unique and distinctive outlet commonly used in these regions, but you might also encounter it in some countries in Africa and South America.

Features of Type D Outlet

The Type D outlet is a three-pin system with the pins arranged in a triangular layout. The top pin serves as the grounding pin and is notably thicker and longer than the bottom two pins.

Number of pins	3
Grounded	Yes
Voltage	220 – 240 volts
Ampere	5 amps
Other types of plugs that fit	Type C, E and F (not recommended!)
Other outlets compatible with Type D	Type M outlets
Need a travel adapter?	Yes

Click here if you need a travel adapter for Type D

Travel adapter for type D

Dimensions

The Type D plug has a central grounding pin that is 20.6 millimeters long and 7.1 millimeters wide. The other pins are 5.1 millimeters wide and 14.9 millimeters long, spaced 19.1 millimeters apart.

Using Type D Plug

The Type D plug is specifically designed for use in India, Nepal, and Pakistan, with extensions to some countries in Africa and South America. It’s a system that evolved from the British standard of the United Kingdom before 1947, explaining its presence in former colonies.

What you really need to watch out for is that Type C, E, and F plugs can unintentionally fit into Type D outlets. This can lead to dangerous situations, like sparking, short circuits and even electric shocks.

Caution: do not use Type C, E, and F plugs in Type D outlets!

You’ll mainly find Type D outlets in India and Nepal, but they can also occasionally be seen in British hotels. They’re often intended for specific purposes, like providing direct current or connecting lamps to a switch or dimmer.

The Necessity of a Travel Adapter

Yes, it is highly recommended to bring a suitable travel adapter that is compatible with Type D outlets to avoid any risks.

Without the right adapter, you may encounter problems such as being unable to charge your devices, damaging your charger, and in extreme cases, even causing short circuits, electrical shocks, or fire hazards. Naturally, you want to avoid these issues!