Type L Socket And Plug

The Type L plug and socket, commonly known as the Italian standard plug and socket, is used almost exclusively in Italy, Chile, Uruguay, and North Africa.

The Italian standard grounded plug (CEI 23-16/VII standard) comes in two versions: 10 A and 16 A. Both versions have three round pins arranged in a straight line, but the pin diameters and spacing differ between versions, making them incompatible with each other. The 10 A rated Type L plug has three pins that are 19 mm long and 4 mm in diameter, with the centers of the neutral and live pins spaced 19 mm apart. The socket corresponding to the 10 A plug is compatible with Type C plugs. The 16 A rated Type L plug has three pins that are 19 mm long and 5 mm in diameter, with the centers of the neutral and live pins spaced 26 mm apart. Since both versions of the plug have a symmetrical design and can be inserted either way, they have no polarity.

Type L plug

Today, in addition to dedicated Type L sockets, there are two types of universal sockets. One is called Bipasso (meaning "dual-size socket"), which can accommodate both versions of Type L plugs and is also compatible with Type C plugs. The other is called Schuko-bipasso (meaning "German standard-dual-size socket"), which builds on the Bipasso socket to further accommodate Type E and Type F plugs.

Type L socket

Dual-size Type L socket