Type B vs Type L Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type B vs Type L plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type B is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A at 100-127V, while Type L is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type B plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see what are the differences between a type K and a type L plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type B	Type L
Standard	NEMA 5-15	CEI 23-50
Pin Configuration	Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)	Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart)
Grounding	Grounded	Grounded
Pin Count	3	3
Amperage	15A	10A/16A
Voltage Range	100-127V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type B and Type L

Here's how Type B and Type L compare, point by point. Compare this with why a type J plug is grounded and a type C plug is not.

Grounding: Both Type B and Type L are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter). Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
Application: Type B is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type B and Type L Compatibility

Type B in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type L socket (Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart)) without a travel adapter.

Type L in Type B Sockets: Generally no. A Type L plug (Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart)) does not fit a Type B socket (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.

If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type B or Type L travel adapter.

Type B vs Type L plug comparison: Type B and Type L wall sockets and plugs side by side, with the verdict and which way each plug fits, a specification table, key differences and how to tell them apart. Verdict: Not Compatible. — Type B vs Type L Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

Does a Type B plug fit into a Type L socket?

Generally no. A Type B plug (Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter)) does not fit a Type L socket (Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart)) without a travel adapter.

Are Type B and Type L plugs the same?

No. Type B follows the NEMA 5-15 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in voltage rating. Also see will a type H plug work in a type K socket without an adapter.

Which countries use Type B and Type L plugs?

Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay. 1 countries use both, including Cuba.

How can you tell a Type B plug from a Type L plug?

A Type B plug has two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter), and is grounded. A Type L plug has three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.