Type J vs Type L Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type J 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 J plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type F vs type G plug.
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Type J
|
Type L
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | SEV 1011 | CEI 23-50 |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others) | 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 J and Type L
Here's how Type J and Type L compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type J and Type L are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type J: Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others). Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
- Application: Type J is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type J and Type L Compatibility
Type J in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) 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 type D vs type I plug.
Type L in Type J 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 J socket (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see is type A compatible with type G.
If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type J or Type L travel adapter.
Does a Type J plug fit into a Type L socket?
Generally no. A Type J plug (Two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others)) 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 J and Type L plugs the same?
No. Type J follows the SEV 1011 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type J and Type L plugs?
Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Switzerland. 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 J plug from a Type L plug?
A Type J plug has two round pins (4mm diameter) plus offset grounding pin (center pin 10mm from others), 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.