Type C vs Type L Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type C vs Type L plugs are compatible in one direction only: an adapter is needed the other way. Type C is a 2-pin, ungrounded plug rated 2.5A at 220-240V, while Type L is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in grounding, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type C plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. Next, check how the pin configuration of a type D plug differs from a type M plug.

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Adapter Needed Type L needs an adapter for a Type C socket Compatible Adapters	Type C	Type L
Standard	CEE 7/16 (Europlug)	CEI 23-50
Pin Configuration	Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)	Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart)
Grounding	Ungrounded	Grounded
Pin Count	2	3
Amperage	2.5A	10A/16A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type C and Type L

Here's how Type C and Type L compare, point by point.

Grounding: Type C has no grounding. Type L adds a grounding pin or clips to protect against electrical faults.
Pin Size and Shape: Type C: Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart). Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
Application: Type C is typically used for low-power, double-insulated devices like phone chargers, razors, and small electronics. Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.

Type C and Type L Compatibility

Type C in Type L Sockets: Type L outlets accept Type C Europlugs for ungrounded devices. Compare this with can i use a type A adapter with a type M socket.

Type L in Type C 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 C socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart)) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see how the CEE 7/16 (Europlug) standard for type C compares to BS 1363 for type G.

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

Type C vs Type L plug comparison: Type C 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: Adapter Needed. — Type C vs Type L Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

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

Type L outlets accept Type C Europlugs for ungrounded devices.

Are Type C and Type L plugs the same?

No. Type C follows the CEE 7/16 (Europlug) standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in grounding, pin count.

Which countries use Type C and Type L plugs?

Type C plugs are used in 157 countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay. 11 countries use both, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay.

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

A Type C plug has two round pins (4mm diameter, 19mm long, 18.6mm apart), and is ungrounded. 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 the grounding pin or clips — only the grounded one has them.