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

Type M vs. Type O

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

Comparing:
Type M
Type O
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 →
Type O →

Type O is Thailand's standard, introduced in 2006 -- three round pins whose earth-pin offset happens to numerically match Type B's, letting Thailand's real-world hybrid sockets also accept American Type A/B and European Type C plugs. Pure single-standard Type O outlets barely exist in practice.

View full Type O spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

5 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Type M
Type O
Pin Count
3 round pins in a triangle, larger than Type D's 3 round pins, 4.8mm diameter
Rated Current
15 A 16 A
Rated Voltage
220-250 V 230 V
Grounded
Yes Yes
Common Regions
South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, also found in India and Nepal for heavy-duty circuits Thailand only

Other Alternatives to Compare

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