Type G vs. Type M
Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 4 key differences identified.
Type G, the British standard (BS 1363, 1947), is the only common plug type with a fuse built into every single plug -- protecting the appliance's cord, not just the household circuit. It's used across the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and much of the Gulf.
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.
Specification Comparison Table
5 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Pin Count
|
3 rectangular pins in a triangle (earth pin longer than power pins) | 3 round pins in a triangle, larger than Type D's |
|
Rated Current
|
13 A | 15 A |
|
Rated Voltage
|
230-240 V | 220-250 V |
|
Grounded
|
Yes | Yes |
|
Common Regions
|
UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Malta, Cyprus, Gulf states, over 50 countries total | South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, also found in India and Nepal for heavy-duty circuits |