Type D Electrical Plug: Specifications, Rating and Regional Use
The Type D electrical plug is commonly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Namibia, where it has long been part of regional electrical systems for residential and commercial applications.
It features three large round pins arranged in a triangular pattern, a design that provides stable alignment and reliable contact. In many installations, Type D and Type M plugs are used alongside each other, and some sockets are designed to accept both plug types, particularly in environments where higher-power appliances are present.
The outer pins of the Type D plug and socket have a diameter of 0.2 in (5.08 mm) and a length of 0.59 in (14.9 mm), with a spacing of 0.75 in (19 mm) between them. The earth pin is centrally positioned and offset 0.87 in (22.2 mm) vertically from the outer pins. It has a diameter of 0.28 in (7.06 mm) and a length of 0.81 in (20.6 mm), ensuring correct orientation and safe grounding.
Rated at 5 amps, Type D plugs are typically used for light to medium-power appliances. Although Type D is now used almost exclusively in India and Nepal, it can still occasionally be found in older installations or hotels in the UK. Users should avoid connecting appliances to BS 546 round-pin outlets in the UK, as these outlets may be connected to special-purpose circuits, such as DC supplies or lighting circuits controlled by a switch or dimmer.
🔗 IEC – Type D Plug & Socket
https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
