Type H vs Type L Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type H is a 3-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 H plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. Next, check type A vs type K plug.
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Type H
|
Type L
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | SI 32 | CEI 23-50 |
| Pin Configuration | Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length) | 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 | 16A | 10A/16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type H and Type L
Here's how Type H and Type L compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type H and Type L are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type H: Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length). Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
- Application: Type H 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 H and Type L Compatibility
Type H in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type H plug (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) 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. You might also want type K vs type M plug.
Type L in Type H 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 H socket (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) 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 H or Type L travel adapter.
Does a Type H plug fit into a Type L socket?
Generally no. A Type H plug (Three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length)) 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 H and Type L plugs the same?
No. Type H follows the SI 32 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type H and Type L plugs?
Type H plugs are used in 3 countries, including Gaza Strip, Israel, Palestine. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. You might also want can i use a type J adapter for type N.
How can you tell a Type H plug from a Type L plug?
A Type H plug has three pins in V-shape arrangement (round 4.5mm or flat pins, 19mm length), 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.