# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Plug Types

Type A vs. Type L

Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 5 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Type A
Type L

Type A is the ungrounded 2-flat-pin plug standard in North America, Central America, and Japan -- NEMA 1-15, rated 15A/125V. It's a physical subset of Type B: any Type A plug fits directly into a Type B socket, the ground pin recess simply unused.

View full Type A spec sheet →

Type L, Italy's standard, uses three round pins in a straight line rather than a triangle, in two incompatible sizes (10A and 16A). Chile and Uruguay use the same physical design, though no independently confirmed national standard document defines it in either country.

View full Type L spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

5 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Pin Count
2 flat parallel blades, non-coplanar, 12.7mm apart 3 round pins in a straight line (unpolarized/reversible)
Rated Current
15 A 10 or 16 (two incompatible sizes) A
Rated Voltage
125 V 250 V
Grounded
No Yes, both sizes
Common Regions
USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Japan Italy, Chile, Uruguay