Type D Plug 3 pins
BS 546 (Old British)
The Type D plug has three round pins arranged in a triangular pattern and is an earthed design. It is a BS 546, 5 A plug for 220-240 V, 50 Hz systems, commonly used across South Asia, especially in India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal and neighbouring countries.
What Does a Type D Plug Look Like?
The Type D plug features three round pins set in a triangular layout, with the top pin serving as the earth. It is an earthed BS 546 design, typically rated at 5 A for 220-240 V, 50 Hz supplies. You can recognise it by the three chunky round prongs and triangular pattern, often with the earth pin slightly larger or set forward compared with the live and neutral.
Where Is the Type D Plug Used?
Type D is mainly used in South Asia and parts of Africa. Primary users are India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Sudan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and South Sudan. It also appears as a secondary or legacy socket in Myanmar and Liberia. The pattern dates from the pre-1947 British BS 546 standard and remains common in residential and older installations in those countries.
Which Plugs Fit a Type D Socket?
Visitor compatibility from the supplied table is: India (their plugs D/C) fits true. US & Canada (A/B) fits false. UK & Ireland (G) fits false. Europe (C/F/E) fits false. Australia & NZ (I) fits false. Japan (A/B) fits false. In short, visitors from India whose plugs match D (or the listed D/C combination) will usually fit Type D sockets; most other regional plug types will not fit and need an adapter.
| Travelling from | Your plugs | Fits a Type D socket? |
|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Type A/B | No, bring an adapter |
| UK & Ireland | Type G | No, bring an adapter |
| Europe | Type C/F/E | No, bring an adapter |
| Australia & NZ | Type I | No, bring an adapter |
| India | Type D/C | Yes, no adapter |
| Japan | Type A/B | No, bring an adapter |
Travel Adapters for Type D Sockets
Travellers from the US, Canada, the UK, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan will need a Type D plug adapter to fit sockets. Visitors from India are likely to plug in without an adapter if they already have D-type plugs. Check your device label: dual-voltage chargers for phones and laptops only need a plug adapter, while single-voltage appliances rated for 110-120 V require a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter when used on 220-240 V supplies.