A useful source:
https://worldofsockets.com/
this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2025
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fuck's happenin in italy
Because it's a hot mess trying to accept both type F and type L. The traditional type L socket has three pins inline. The pin spacing between Live and Neutral for an earthed device using type L is wider than using type F, so plugging in a Schuko won't work in normal type L sockets. However, some type L sockets have extra, smaller holes at Europlug spacing, to accept ungrounded type C plugs.
The picture here shows two Type L sockets with Europlug expansions on the sides (C/L combo), and an F/L combo in the middle.
Here in Romania we use Type F but sometimes also install a modular Type L socket alongside regular ones because it's smaller and you can fit 2 of those in place of a full Type F/Schuko one. We don't use Italian plugs and so only use them for europlugs (max 2.5A and double-insulated so no ground needed)
collapsed inline media
I do find it kind of sad seeing them getting slowly replaced even in Italy (I know it won't fully happen of course) because they're very space efficient
Now really imagine what would happen if Americans tried to switch to metric.
Three prongs widths changed added earth support
The pictured one is an universal socket that can accept any plug sold in the eu, because if you go to buy any fridge or oven or washer it comes with the German plug
Otherwise, any other plug (phone chargers, lamps, laptops) comes with the standard which is this:
collapsed inline media
It doesn't fit in a German plug as the diameter of the holes and the spacing is slightly different, hence the weirdly shaped wholes
It has both prongs insulated so you don't get accidentally electrocuted if your finger accidentally touch one during unplugging (especially toddlers)
In my house I exclusively got pure L sockets without the double holes and I wanted to kill the sadist electrician who decided to install them everywhere. (It's a money issue, universal socket by regulations need 2.5 mm² section copper wires, while the 10A L socket can use cheaper 1.5 mm² section copper wires - but still, how much he saved, 50€ in total? Asshole, I had to spend 3x that to replace all the sockets)