Type F vs Type L Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type F vs Type L plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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 do you need a type C to type E plug adapter.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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. You might also want type C vs type O socket.

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.

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.

Type F vs Type L plug comparison: Type F 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: Not Compatible. — Type F vs Type L Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

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. Compare this with do you need a type E to type F plug 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 Indonesia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Greece. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay. 4 countries use both, including Italy, Uruguay, San Marino, 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.