Type L vs Type C
Italian Type L vs European Type C plugs.
Type L
Type L
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 10A
Grounded: Yes
Countries: 5
Type C
Type C
Voltage: 220-240V
Current: 2.5A
Grounded: No
Countries: 122
Key Differences
- Type L has inline pins, others have parallel
- Type L comes in 10A and 16A versions
- Type L is unique to Italy
- Different pin spacing
Similarities
- Both use round pins
- Same voltage (230V)
- Type C works in some Type L sockets
- Used in Europe
🎯 Real-World Travel Compatibility
⚠️
Practical Travel Reality
Physical compatibility doesn't guarantee real-world usability. Here's what travelers actually encounter:
Type L
5 countries officially, 1 as primary
PRIMARY usage: 1 countries
Dominant in: Italy
SECONDARY/LEGACY: 5 countries
Found in some outlets but not reliable for travelers
Type C
122 countries officially, 33 as primary
PRIMARY usage: 33 countries
Dominant in: Afghanistan, Burundi, Chile, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt
SECONDARY/LEGACY: 89 countries
Found in some outlets but not reliable for travelers
⚠️ Traveler Warnings
Physical compatibility doesn't mean practical reliability. Research which plug type is PRIMARY in your destination countries, not just which ones are "officially supported."
💡 Why this matters: Most travel guides list theoretical compatibility. This analysis shows what plugs you'll actually find in 90%+ of outlets.
