Type I vs Type L Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type I is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A 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 I plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. For a related pairing, see can i use a type D adapter for type G.
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Type I
|
Type L
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | AS/NZS 3112 | CEI 23-50 |
| Pin Configuration | Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin | 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 | 10A | 10A/16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type I and Type L
Here's how Type I and Type L compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type I and Type L are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type I: Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical grounding pin. Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
- Application: Type I is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type I and Type L Compatibility
Type I in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type I plug (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical 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 I 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 I socket (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical 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 I or Type L travel adapter. You might also want type B vs type D plug.
Does a Type I plug fit into a Type L socket?
Generally no. A Type I plug (Two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical 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 I and Type L plugs the same?
No. Type I follows the AS/NZS 3112 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin design. You might also want type C vs type M plug.
Which countries use Type I and Type L plugs?
Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Christmas Island. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy.
How can you tell a Type I plug from a Type L plug?
A Type I plug has two angled flat pins (8mm long, 6.5mm wide, 30 degree angle) plus vertical 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 size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.