Type L vs Type N Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type L vs Type N 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 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. Next, check will a type A plug work in a type C socket without an adapter.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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. Next, check what adapter converts a type A plug to a type O socket.

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.

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

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. You might also want do you need a type C to type I plug adapter.

Which countries use Type L and Type N plugs?

Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay. Type N plugs are used in 2 countries, including South Africa, Brazil.

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.