Type K vs Type L Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type K vs Type L plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. Type K 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 K plug fits a Type L socket, and vice versa. Compare this with comparing type B and type L plugs for international travel.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	Type K	Type L
Standard	DS 60884-2-D1	CEI 23-50
Pin Configuration	Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground 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	16A	10A/16A
Voltage Range	220-240V	220-240V

Key Differences Between Type K and Type L

Here's how Type K and Type L compare, point by point.

Grounding: Both Type K and Type L are grounded.
Pin Size and Shape: Type K: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin). Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart).
Application: Type K 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 K and Type L Compatibility

Type K in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type K plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground 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 K 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 K socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground pin)) without a travel adapter. You might also want how do i tell a type C plug apart from a type J plug.

If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type K or Type L travel adapter. For a related pairing, see do you need a type F to type J plug adapter.

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

Does a Type K plug fit into a Type L socket?

Generally no. A Type K plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground 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 K and Type L plugs the same?

No. Type K follows the DS 60884-2-D1 standard and Type L follows CEI 23-50 — they differ in pin design.

Which countries use Type K and Type L plugs?

Type K plugs are used in 7 countries, including Denmark, Maldives, Bangladesh, Senegal, Greenland. 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 K plug from a Type L plug?

A Type K plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus grounding pin (similar to Type F with additional ground 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.