Type L vs Type M Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type L is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/16A at 220-240V, while Type M is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 15A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type L plug fits a Type M socket, and vice versa. Also see type C to type N plug adapter.
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Type L
|
Type M
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEI 23-50 | BS 546 (15A) |
| Pin Configuration | Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart) | Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 10A/16A | 15A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type L and Type M
Here's how Type L and Type M compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type L and Type M are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type L: Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart). Type M: Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter).
- Application: Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type M is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type L and Type M Compatibility
Type L in Type M 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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.
Type M in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type M plug (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) 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.
If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type L or Type M travel adapter.
Does a Type L plug fit into a Type M socket?
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 M socket (Three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type L and Type M plugs the same?
No. Type L follows the CEI 23-50 standard and Type M follows BS 546 (15A) — they differ in pin design. For a related pairing, see type E vs type K plug.
Which countries use Type L and Type M plugs?
Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Eswatini, India, Lakshadweep, Lesotho. Next, check type F vs type O plug.
How can you tell a Type L plug from a Type M plug?
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. A Type M plug has three large round pins in triangular pattern (earth 8.7mm diameter, live/neutral 7.1mm diameter), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.