Type L (CEI 23-50) - The Italian Mains Plug

Three round pins in a single row - the Italian national plug, in a 10 A and a separate 16 A variant.

The Type L plug per CEI 23-50 is the Italian mains plug, used in Italy, Vatican City, San Marino, Chile, Uruguay and parts of Ethiopia. Three round pins arranged in a single horizontal line - earth in the centre, line and neutral on the sides. Two completely separate variants: 10 A with 4 mm pins and 19 mm spacing, and 16 A with 5 mm pins and 26 mm spacing. The two variants are physically incompatible. Modern Italian sockets often have a hybrid "bypass" form that accepts both Type L variants and Schuko, simplifying multi-standard household use.

Technical Specifications

Standard	CEI 23-50 (formerly 23-16)
Rated current	10 A or 16 A (separate variants)
Rated voltage	230 V AC
Pins	3 round in a row
Pin spacing	19 mm (10 A) / 26 mm (16 A)
Class	I
Countries	Italy, Vatican, San Marino, Chile, Uruguay

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why two completely different sizes?

Historic separation: the 10 A is for normal sockets, the 16 A only on dedicated heavy-load circuits. Many older Italian houses have both side by side. Modern hybrid sockets accept both plus Schuko.

Will my Schuko fit Italian L sockets?

Only on hybrid bypass sockets (common in modern installations and hotels). Pure CEI 23-50 sockets reject Schuko - use a travel adapter or hybrid CEE 7/7.

Is the small Europlug Type C compatible?

Yes - the slim 2-pin Europlug fits both 10 A and 16 A Italian sockets, used widely on chargers and class II devices.

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