Type B vs Type L Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
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. Next, check type C vs type J plug.
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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.
- 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. For a related pairing, see type D vs type L plug.
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. Next, check type F vs type J plug.
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.
Which countries use Type B and Type L plugs?
Type B plugs are used in 54 countries, including American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azores. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. 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.