# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Plug Types

Type C vs. Type M

Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 5 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Type C
Type M
Type C →

Type C, the "Europlug," is the most widely accepted plug in the world by country count -- 2 round, slightly tapered pins, ungrounded, rated just 2.5A/250V. Its flexible pins give it a secure friction-fit in sockets built for several other, larger round-pin standards.

View full Type C spec sheet →
Type M →

Type M is South Africa's large-pin standard -- the 15A variant of the same BS 546 family that produces Type D at 5A. The two share a triangular 3-round-pin layout and standard lineage but use different pin sizes, so they are not physically interchangeable.

View full Type M spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

5 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Type C
Type M
Pin Count
2 round pins, 4mm diameter, tapered/flexible 3 round pins in a triangle, larger than Type D's
Rated Current
2.5 A 15 A
Rated Voltage
250 V 220-250 V
Grounded
No Yes
Common Regions
Most of continental Europe, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, South Korea, and more South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, also found in India and Nepal for heavy-duty circuits

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare Type C vs. Type A → Compare Type C vs. Type B → Compare Type C vs. Type D → Compare Type C vs. Type E → Compare Type C vs. Type F (Schuko) → Compare Type C vs. Type G → Compare Type C vs. Type H → Compare Type C vs. Type I → Compare Type C vs. Type J → Compare Type C vs. Type K → Compare Type C vs. Type L → Compare Type C vs. Type N → Compare Type C vs. Type O →