Type E vs Type L Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type E is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 E plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. Next, check type I vs type M plug.
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Type E
|
Type L
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/5 | CEI 23-50 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin | Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 3 |
| Amperage | 16A | 10A/16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type E and Type L
Here's how Type E and Type L compare, point by point. Compare this with difference between type F and type L sockets.
- Grounding: Both Type E and Type L are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type E: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin. Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
- Application: Type E 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 E and Type L Compatibility
Type E in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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 E 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 E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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 E or Type L travel adapter.
Does a Type E plug fit into a Type L socket?
Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) 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 E and Type L plugs the same?
No. Type E follows the CEE 7/5 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type E and Type L plugs?
Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. 1 countries use both, including Syria. You might also want type C vs type O plug.
How can you tell a Type E plug from a Type L plug?
A Type E plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin, 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 count: 2 vs 3.