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

Type F (Schuko) vs. Type J

Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 3 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Type F (Schuko)
Type J
Type F (Schuko) →

Type F, universally called "Schuko" (German for "protective contact"), is the dominant grounded plug across continental Europe. Unlike most grounded plugs, its earth connection is made via two flat spring clips on the plug's sides rather than a third pin.

View full Type F (Schuko) spec sheet →
Type J →

Type J is Switzerland's own standard -- three round pins in a small hexagonal-bodied plug, in 10A and 16A variants. Its design directly influenced Brazil's and South Africa's later Type N standards, though reversed polarity during adaptation broke compatibility with its own descendants.

View full Type J spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

5 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Type F (Schuko)
Type J
Pin Count
2 round pins + 2 side grounding clips (not a third pin) 3 round pins in a triangle, smaller than Type D/M; hexagonal plug body
Rated Current
16 A 10 or 16 A
Rated Voltage
250 V 250 V
Grounded
Yes Yes
Common Regions
Germany, Austria, Spain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, much of Eastern Europe and Russia -- notably absent from Belgium, Czechia, Ireland, Switzerland, and the UK Switzerland, Liechtenstein only

Other Alternatives to Compare

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