Type L vs Type M Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type L vs Type M plugs are not compatible: an adapter is needed in both directions. 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 do you need a type C to type N plug adapter.

Swipe to compare

Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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.

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

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 F vs type K socket.

Which countries use Type L and Type M plugs?

Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay. Type M plugs are used in 9 countries, including India, South Africa, Nepal, Namibia, Mozambique. Compare this with does a type E plug fit into a type H socket.

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.