Type G vs Type L Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type G is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 13A 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 G plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. You might also want type E vs type M plug.
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Type G
|
Type L
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | BS 1363 | CEI 23-50 |
| Pin Configuration | Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm) | 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 | 13A | 10A/16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type G and Type L
Here's how Type G and Type L compare, point by point. Also see type B vs type F plug.
- Grounding: Both Type G and Type L are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type G: Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm). Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
- Application: Type G 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 G and Type L Compatibility
Type G in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type G plug (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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 G 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 G socket (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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 G or Type L travel adapter.
Does a Type G plug fit into a Type L socket?
Generally no. A Type G plug (Three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm)) 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. Also see type A vs type D plug.
Are Type G and Type L plugs the same?
No. Type G follows the BS 1363 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type G and Type L plugs?
Type G plugs are used in 67 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Ascension Island, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize. 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 G plug from a Type L plug?
A Type G plug has three rectangular pins in triangular pattern (live/neutral 6.35x3.18mm, earth 3.18x7.92mm), 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.