Type F vs Type L Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type F 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 F plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. You might also want type A vs type F plug.
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Type F
|
Type L
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/4 (Schuko) | CEI 23-50 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides | 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 F and Type L
Here's how Type F and Type L compare, point by point. Compare this with type C vs type D plug.
- Grounding: Both Type F and Type L are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides. Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
- Application: Type F 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 F and Type L Compatibility
Type F in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type F plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) 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 F 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 F socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) without a travel adapter. Compare this with type B vs type E plug.
If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type F or Type L travel adapter. You might also want does a type E plug fit a type F socket.
Does a Type F plug fit into a Type L socket?
Generally no. A Type F plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) 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 F and Type L plugs the same?
No. Type F follows the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin count.
Which countries use Type F and Type L plugs?
Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. 4 countries use both, including Italy, San Marino, Uruguay, Vatican City.
How can you tell a Type F plug from a Type L plug?
A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, 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.