Type D vs Type L Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type D is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 5A at 220-240V, while Type L is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type D plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see type B vs type L plug.
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Type D
|
Type L
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | BS 546 | CEI 23-50 |
| Pin Configuration | Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm 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 | 5A | 10A/16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type D and Type L
Here's how Type D and Type L compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type D and Type L are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type D: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm diameter). Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
- Application: Type D is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type D and Type L Compatibility
Type D in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type D plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm 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 D 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 D socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm 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 D or Type L travel adapter. You might also want type K vs type L plug.
Does a Type D plug fit into a Type L socket?
Generally no. A Type D plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm 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 D and Type L plugs the same?
No. Type D follows the BS 546 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type D and Type L plugs?
Type D plugs are used in 31 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Chad. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. 1 countries use both, including Maldives.
How can you tell a Type D plug from a Type L plug?
A Type D plug has three large round pins in triangular pattern (ground pin 7.1mm, live/neutral 5.1mm 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. Next, check is type C compatible with type J.