Type L vs Type N Plugs: Voltage & Amperage Differences & Compatibility
Type L is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/16A at 220-240V, while Type N is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/20A at 100-240V. The two differ mainly in voltage, amperage and pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type L plug fits a Type N socket, and vice versa. Compare this with type G vs type H plug.
Swipe to compare
Type L
|
Type N
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEI 23-50 | IEC 60906-1 |
| Pin Configuration | Three round pins in a row (10A: 4mm pins 5.5mm apart / 16A: 5mm pins 8mm apart) | Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 10A/16A | 10A/20A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 100-240V |
Key Differences Between Type L and Type N
Here's how Type L and Type N compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type L and Type N 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 N: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A).
- Application: Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type N is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances.
Type L and Type N Compatibility
Type L in Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter.
Type N in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type N plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) 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 N travel adapter.
Does a Type L plug fit into a Type N 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 N socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A)) without a travel adapter.
Are Type L and Type N plugs the same?
No. Type L follows the CEI 23-50 standard and Type N follows IEC 60906-1 — they differ in voltage rating.
Which countries use Type L and Type N plugs?
Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including Brazil, South Africa. Compare this with type I vs type J plug.
How can you tell a Type L plug from a Type N 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 N plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4mm pins for 10A, 4.8mm pins for 20A), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above. Also see difference between type A and type C sockets.