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← All plug types§ 01 · Type D

Type D, explained.

Also known as · Old British plug · BS 546 · Indian plug

Type D (also known as the Old British plug) is a grounded 3-pin plug rated at 220-240V and 50Hz, 5A. It is the standard plug in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and 3+ other countries.

Type D is an old British standard plug with three large round pins arranged in a triangular pattern. While phased out in the UK, it remains the dominant plug type in India, Nepal, and some African countries.

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§ 02 · The specs

Everything that matters, at a glance.

Pin layout, voltage, amperage, dimensions — the technical details for Type D in one tidy table.

Standard voltage
220-240V
Frequency
50Hz
Amperage
5A
Pin count
3 pins
Pin shape
Large round pins in triangle
Grounded
Yes
Pin length
20.6mm
Pin spacing
19.1mm
History

Type D was developed in Britain in 1947 as part of the BS 546 standard. After World War II, Britain switched to the Type G plug, but Type D remained in use in former British colonies, particularly in South Asia.

Safety

Type D features a grounding pin for safety. The large pin spacing makes it relatively safe, as small objects are less likely to make contact with live parts. However, it lacks the safety shutters found in modern designs.

Compatibility

Type D outlets may sometimes accept Type C plugs, though this varies by socket design. Type M plugs (larger variant) are sometimes found alongside Type D in the same countries.

§ Related plug types

Other plug types worth a look.

Neighboring plug types — same region, related shapes, or shared voltage zone. Useful when your trip has multiple stops.

§ Travel essentials

What every traveler should pack — and why.

Four picks for any international trip — what they actually do, and the moments where they pay for themselves.

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§ Common questions
What is the Type D plug?+

Type D is an old British standard plug with three large round pins arranged in a triangular pattern. While phased out in the UK, it remains the dominant plug type in India, Nepal, and some African countries.

Which countries use Type D?+

Type D is used in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and across South Asia, Parts of Africa, Middle East. See the full list below.

Is the Type D plug grounded?+

Yes. Type D has a dedicated grounding pin for safe operation with appliances that require an earth connection.

Do I need a voltage converter for Type D countries?+

Type D countries operate at 220-240V, 50Hz. Modern dual-voltage electronics (phones, laptops, cameras labelled "100-240V") work everywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone need a converter.

Can I use my iPhone or laptop charger with Type D?+

Yes. Apple chargers and most laptop power supplies are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Type D countries with just a plug adapter — no converter needed.

§ Plan a trip

Going somewhere that uses Type D? Pluggy packs the rest.

Tell Pluggy where you're going and we'll build a packing list — weather, the right adapter, eSIM, what to leave at home.

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