What is Italian Type L Plug and Socket (Outlet)?

The Italian Type L plug has two round pins and a round grounding pin in a line. The live and neutral contacts may be inserted in either direction.

What is a Type L plug?

The Type L Plug & Socket is a 3 plug socket primarily used in Italy and Chile. The Type L electrical plug is grounded, has an amp rating of 10 A and 16 A, and a voltage range of 220-240 V. The 10 A is compatible with types C and L electrical sockets, while the 16 A is compatible only with type L.

Italian Type L plug features

The Italian grounded plug/socket standard, CEI 23-16/VII, includes two styles rated at 10 and 16 amps. Both plug top styles consist of three rounded pins in a straight line, and they differ in terms of contact diameter and spacing and are therefore incompatible with each other.

Italy Type L plug diameters

The 10 amp type L plug has three 4 mm round pins, measuring 19 mm in length. The centers of the line and neutral pins are spaced 19 mm apart, and the distance between the centers of either of the two outer prongs and the center of the ground pin is 9.5 mm. The 10 amp style socket also accepts type C plugs.

The 16 amp type L electrical plug has three 5 mm round pins, measuring 19 mm in length. The centers of the line and neutral pins are spaced 26 mm apart. The distance between the centers of either of the two outer prongs and the center of the ground pin is 13 mm. Since both plugs are symmetrical, they can be inserted in either direction, which is unpolarised.

Information on The Type L Electrical Outlet

The technical name for the Type L is the Italian earthed plug/socket standard, CEI 23-16/VII. There are two models rated at 10 A and 16 A, differing in contact diameter and spacing. Older installations often have sockets that are limited to either the 10 A or 16 A, requiring the use of an adapter should the plug and adapter styles differ.

The 10 A extends CEE 7/16 by adding a central earthing pin, so CEI 23-16-VII sockets can accept Euro plugs. The 16 A style’s pins are a little further apart, which are thicker. The 16 A is sometimes referred to as the North European or industrial Type, although these descriptions are inaccurate. While it is possible to fit Type D and Type E plugs in Type L sockets, it may cause damage to the socket, and the plug may get stuck.

Nowadays, there are also universal sockets available. There are two kinds: first, there is the so-called bypass receptacle (literally: twin-gauge outlet), a very commonly used socket that accepts C plugs as well styles L plugs. The second is the Schuko-bypass receptacle, which even adds compatibility with plug types E & F.

What countries use type L plug?

Type L plug is used almost exclusively in Italy, Chile, Uruguay and is also randomly found throughout North Africa.
 
Used in countries:

Does Type C work in Type L?

The Type C plug is the CEE 7/16 (Europlug 2.5 A/250 V unearthed). A similar plug with slightly larger pins is known as the CEE 7/17. Both types are unearthed and have two round pins which converge slightly. The CEE 7/16 is intended for devices that require 2.5 A or less. The 19 mm separation of the pins and the pins’ 4 mm length allows safe insertion in most Type C, Type E, Type F, Type H, and some Type L outlets. 

Type L plug certificate

Organization: IMQ

The Italy CEI 23-50 standard 3 prong 10/16 amp uses the center pin for grounding. Power cords manufactured in compliance with Italian CEI 23-50 standards. IMQ agency approvals and certifications are available on the product specification page.

Now It’s Your Turn

So that’s how I understand the type L plug and socket.

Now I want to turn it over to you: Through my article, do you understand Type L electrical plugs and Sockets (Outlets)?

Do you have a different point of view with the Type L power plug? Or any other questions?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below right now.

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