Type L Plug 3 pins
CEI 23-16/VII (Italian)
The Type L plug has three round pins arranged in a straight line with the centre pin as the earth. It is an earthed plug for 220-240 V, 50 Hz supplies, commonly used in Italy and several countries in South America and the Mediterranean region.
What Does a Type L Plug Look Like?
The Type L plug has three round pins in a straight (inline) row, with the centre pin serving as the earth. There are two physical versions: a 10 A version with 4 mm pin diameter, and a 16 A version with 5 mm pin diameter, and these sizes are not interchangeable. It is an earthed plug for 220-240 V, 50 Hz and is easy to recognise by its inline round pins and central earth pin.
Where Is the Type L Plug Used?
Type L is the standard plug in Italy, Chile, Vatican City and Uruguay. It also appears as a secondary or legacy socket in parts of Syria, Eritrea and Libya. The design is commonly called the Italian plug or CEI 23-16/VII and originates from Italy. You will see separate 10 A and 16 A outlets in buildings and installations where this plug is used.
Which Plugs Fit a Type L Socket?
Officially a Type L socket is stated to accept Type C plugs. Compatibility data also shows many Type L sockets accept European plugs C, E and F, and that Indian plugs D or C will fit. Plugs from the US and Canada (A/B), the UK and Ireland (G), Australia and New Zealand (I), and Japan (A/B) do not fit without an adapter. A Type L plug itself will not fit other socket types without an adapter.
| Travelling from | Your plugs | Fits a Type L socket? |
|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Type A/B | No, bring an adapter |
| UK & Ireland | Type G | No, bring an adapter |
| Europe | Type C/F/E | Yes, no adapter |
| Australia & NZ | Type I | No, bring an adapter |
| India | Type D/C | Yes, no adapter |
| Japan | Type A/B | No, bring an adapter |
Travel Adapters for Type L Sockets
Travellers from Europe and some visitors from India may not need an adapter because C, E or F and some Indian plugs fit; travellers from the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan will need a Type L adapter. Check whether the outlet is the 10 A or 16 A variant before buying an adapter, since the two sizes are not interchangeable. Also verify your device supports 220-240 V, or use a voltage converter for single-voltage appliances.