Socket Type L

Heading to Italy, Chile, Uruguay, or perhaps some countries in Africa like Eritrea? Then you’ll definitely want to get acquainted with Type L sockets, which are commonly used in these regions.

Type L sockets are specifically designed to accommodate a three-pronged, grounded plug with three round pins. This makes them, along with Type G sockets, one of the safer options for electrical connectivity.

Features of Type L Sockets

One distinctive feature of Type L sockets is the round pins, which vary in size: they can be either 4 millimeters in diameter for a 10 amp rating, or 5 millimeters for a 16 amp rating. This versatility allows for a range of appliances to be safely connected, whether you’re plugging in a phone charger or a heavier duty appliance. So when packing for your trip, remember that a suitable travel adaptor might be essential to ensure your devices are compatible with these sockets.

Number of pins	3
Grounded	Yes
Voltage	220 – 240 volts
Ampere	10 or 16 amps
Other types of plugs that fit	Type C (only for 10 amps)
Other sockets compatible with Type L	None
Do you need a travel adaptor for your UK devices?	Yes

Type L sockets are designed for a voltage range of 220 to 240 volts.

Click here if you need a travel adaptor for Type L

Dimensions

The pins of Type L plugs have specific standardized dimensions. For the 10 A version, the pins are 4 millimeters in diameter and 19 millimeters in length. The spacing between the line and neutral pins is set at 19 millimeters, with the grounding pin being 9.5 millimeters apart from them.

For the 16 A version, the pins are thicker, measuring 5 millimeters in diameter, and the distance between the line and neutral pins widens to 26 millimeters.

Using Type L Plug

The Type L socket is designed specifically for the Type L plug. Interestingly, the 10 A variant of this plug can also fit into Type C sockets, making it somewhat versatile.

In countries like Italy and Chile, the Type L socket is the norm. It’s crucial for travellers to verify which plug types are standard in the countries they plan to visit. This type of socket is also common in places like Uruguay, Eritrea, and even Cuba.

To check if you’ll need a travel adaptor for your journey, try using the search function on our website.

The Necessity of a Travel Adaptor

It is strongly advised to bring a suitable travel adaptor that is compatible with Type L sockets to prevent any potential issues.

Without the correct adaptor, you may face difficulties such as being unable to charge your devices, risking damage to your charger, and, in the worst-case scenarios, causing short circuits, electrical shocks, or even fire hazards. It’s clearly best to avoid such problems and ensure a smooth travel experience by being well-prepared.

Other Essentials for Your Trip