Type L vs Type O Plugs: Differences & Compatibility

Type L vs Type O 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 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 how the pin configuration of a type H plug differs from a type N plug.

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Not Compatible Adapter needed in both directions Compatible Adapters	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. Also see type C vs type G plug.

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.

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

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. Compare this with how do i tell a type E plug apart from a type J 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.

Which countries use Type L and Type O plugs?

Type L plugs are used in 11 countries, including Italy, Maldives, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay. 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.