Outlet Type K: need a travel adapter or not?

When you’re traveling to Denmark and Greenland, you’re most likely going to encounter Type K outlets. They’re also found in some countries in Africa and Asia.

This type of outlet is uniquely designed for a three-pronged, grounded plug with two round pins and a U-shaped grounding pin. It’s quite similar to the Type E outlet, but the grounding pin is in the plug, not the outlet.

Features of Type K Outlet

What sets the Type K outlet apart is its compatibility with Type C plugs. It offers partial, but unsafe, compatibility with Type E and F plugs, as they don’t ground in this outlet.

Number of pins	2
Grounded	Yes
Voltage	220 – 240 volts
Ampere	16 amps
Other types of plugs that fit	Type C (fully), Type E and F (partially)
Other outlets compatible with Type K	None
Need a travel adapter?	Yes

Type K outlets and plugs are designed for up to 16 amps and operate within a voltage range of 220 to 240 volts.

Click here if you need a travel adapter for Type K

Travel adapter for type K

Dimensions

The pins of Type K plugs are standardized with a diameter of 4.8 millimeters and a length of 19 millimeters. The distance between the two power-carrying pins is also 19 millimeters. The central grounding pin is 14 millimeters long and 6.5 millimeters in diameter.

Using Type K Plug

Type K outlets are primarily used in Denmark and Greenland. Type C plugs fit seamlessly, while Type E and F plugs can be used without grounding.

However, using Type E and F in a Type K outlet is not recommended due to the lack of a safe grounding connection.

In the future, Denmark might shift the standard to Type E or F, but for now, Type K remains the norm.

If you’re unsure whether your destination uses Type K, it’s wise to bring a travel adapter or use the search function (top right) on this website.

The Necessity of a Travel Adapter

Yes, it is highly recommended to bring a suitable travel adapter that is compatible with Type K 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!