Type K plug: Which countries use it?

Type K

The Type K plug, also known as the Danish plug or Section 107-2-D1 plug, is the electrical standard primarily used in Denmark and Greenland. This type of plug is distinguished by its unique design featuring three round prongs, two for electrical connection and a longer third prong for grounding.

One of the key features of the Type K plug is its compatibility with the Type F (Schuko) plug, which is one of the most widely used standards in Europe. This means that devices with a Type F plug can be easily connected to a Type K socket, offering great versatility for users in Denmark and other nearby European countries.

Which countries use the Type K plug?

The Type K plug is the national standard in:

• Denmark
• Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark)

Additionally, due to its compatibility with the Type F plug, Type K sockets can also be found in certain other European countries, particularly those near Denmark.

Features of the Type K plug

The Type K plug has the following technical characteristics:

• Three round prongs, with two prongs of 4.8 mm in diameter and 19 mm in length for electrical connection, and a third prong of 4.8 mm in diameter and 24 mm in length for grounding.
• The prongs are arranged in a straight line, with a distance of 19 mm between the electrical connection prongs and the ground prong.
• Standard voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz.
• Capable of handling a current of up to 13A.
• The presence of the longer ground prong ensures a safe connection and reduces the risk of electric shocks, similar to the safety system used in the Type F (Schuko) plug.

In summary, the Type K plug is the electrical standard used in Denmark and Greenland. Its design with three round prongs, including a longer ground prong, ensures a safe connection and is compatible with the Type F plug.

When traveling to these countries or purchasing electrical devices for use there, it's essential to consider the characteristics of the Type K plug and its compatibility with the Schuko standard to ensure proper connection and avoid potential issues.

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Why don't all countries use the same plug?

We often come across the question of why in a world so interconnected, we still use different types of plugs depending on the country. The answer lies in several historical, technical, and economic factors.

First, each country developed its electrical system independently. During the growth of electrical grids in the 19th century, there was no international standard to standardize criteria. This led to each nation adopting its own solutions based on their needs, technical capacities, and economic considerations of the time.

Second, safety standards play a crucial role. The different types of plugs reflect variations in voltages and frequencies used around the world. For example, while some plugs are predominantly used in countries with voltages between 100 and 127 V, other regions operate at 220-240 V. This diversity ensures that devices designed for certain power levels are safe and efficient in the systems they were created for.

Third, there is a natural resistance to change due to associated costs. Updating the national electrical infrastructure to adopt a new type of plug would involve significant investments for both governments and consumers. Additionally, it would require a gradual transition to replace or modify millions of devices already in use.

Although today we see efforts towards standardization through universal adapters or USB chargers for certain electronic devices, we are still far from having a single type of plug globally accepted. Understanding these reasons helps us prepare better when we travel or purchase international electronic devices, ensuring their compatibility with our local system without surprises or setbacks.