Type J Plug 3 pins
SEV 1011 (Swiss)
The Type J plug has three round pins with the earth pin offset and a compact triangular arrangement. It is an earthed plug rated for 220-240 V at 50 Hz (commonly 10 A) and follows the SEV 1011 Swiss standard. It is used mainly in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
What Does a Type J Plug Look Like?
The Type J plug (SEV 1011) has three round pins, with the earth pin slightly offset from the two live and neutral pins. It is an earthed design and the two mains pins sit closely together, giving a compact triangular layout. You can recognise it by the round pin shape and the off-centre earth pin, typically rated for 220-240 V at 50 Hz and commonly 10 A.
Where Is the Type J Plug Used?
Type J is used exclusively in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, where the SEV 1011 standard is the national socket. You will not normally find Type J elsewhere, and there are no major secondary countries that use it. Expect these sockets in homes, hotels and public buildings across Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Which Plugs Fit a Type J Socket?
A Type J socket accepts Type C plugs. According to the compatibility table, European plugs (C, F, E) and some Indian plugs (D and C) will fit a Type J socket, while plugs from the US and Canada (A/B), the UK (G), Australia and New Zealand (I), and Japan (A/B) will not. Note the official acceptance is Type C, though practical fit can include other European types.
| Travelling from | Your plugs | Fits a Type J socket? |
|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Type A/B | No, bring an adapter |
| UK & Ireland | Type G | No, bring an adapter |
| Europe | Type C/F/E | Yes, no 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 J Sockets
Travellers whose plugs do not fit will need a Type J adapter or a universal world-travel adapter to plug in. Bring an adapter if you are coming from the US, UK, Australia, Japan or other non-compatible countries. Switzerland uses 220-240 V at 50 Hz, so dual-voltage chargers and devices are fine; single-voltage appliances from 100-120 V will require a proper step-up transformer rather than just an adapter. Also check the socket's 10 A limit.