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

Type F (Schuko) vs. Type M

Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 4 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Type F (Schuko)
Type M
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 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 F (Schuko)
Type M
Pin Count
2 round pins + 2 side grounding clips (not a third pin) 3 round pins in a triangle, larger than Type D's
Rated Current
16 A 15 A
Rated Voltage
250 V 220-250 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 South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, also found in India and Nepal for heavy-duty circuits

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 J → Compare Type F (Schuko) vs. Type K → Compare Type F (Schuko) vs. Type L → Compare Type F (Schuko) vs. Type N → Compare Type F (Schuko) vs. Type O →