Type L vs Type O Plugs: Amperage & Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type L is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 10A/16A at 220-240V, while Type O is a 3-pin, grounded plug rated 16A 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 O socket, and vice versa. You might also want is type C compatible with type G.
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Type L
|
Type O
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEI 23-50 | TIS 166-2549 |
| 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 (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin) |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 3 | 3 |
| Amperage | 10A/16A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type L and Type O
Here's how Type L and Type O compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type L and Type O 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 O: Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin).
- Application: Type L is typically used for everyday household electronics and small appliances. Type O is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type L and Type O Compatibility
Type L in Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter.
Type O in Type L Sockets: Generally no. A Type O plug (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding 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.
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 O travel adapter.
Does a Type L plug fit into a Type O 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 O socket (Three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin)) without a travel adapter. For a related pairing, see type I vs type K plug.
Are Type L and Type O plugs the same?
No. Type L follows the CEI 23-50 standard and Type O follows TIS 166-2549 — they differ in pin design. For a related pairing, see type G vs type I plug.
Which countries use Type L and Type O plugs?
Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Chile, Cuba, Easter Island, Eritrea, Italy. Type O plugs are used in 1 countries, including Thailand.
How can you tell a Type L plug from a Type O 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 O plug has three round pins in triangular pattern (4.8mm diameter power pins, 4mm grounding pin), and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.