Type J vs Type L Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type J vs Type L plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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 D plugs run on 220-240V while type I plugs run on 220-240V.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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.

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.

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. For a related pairing, see what are the differences between a type B and a type I plug.

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

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. For a related pairing, see packing an adapter for a trip that has both type A and type G sockets.

Which countries use Type J and Type L plugs?

Type J plugs are used in 4 countries, including Switzerland, Maldives, Jordan, Liechtenstein. Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay. 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.