Type A vs. Type L
Comparing 2 standards across 5 specifications. 5 key differences identified.
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.
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.
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 |