Type I vs Type L Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type I vs Type L plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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. You might also want how do i tell a type D plug apart from a type G plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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. For a related pairing, see do you need a type G to type J plug 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. Next, check how do i tell a type F plug apart from a type O plug.

Type I vs Type L plug comparison: Type I 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 I vs Type L Plug: Differences and Compatibility (Infographic)

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.

Which countries use Type I and Type L plugs?

Type I plugs are used in 24 countries, including Australia, China, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay.

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.