🇿🇦 Power plugs & sockets in South Africa

In South Africa, power plugs and sockets are types C, D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz.

C · D · M · N

Socket types

230V

Voltage

50Hz

Frequency

Socket types used in South Africa

For each socket below you'll also see the matching plug. These are what you'll find in the wall.

Type C

Type D

Type M

Type N

Check your plugs for South Africa

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Travelling from 🇺🇸 the United States to South Africa?

🔌 Adapter needed⚡ Voltage converter needed🕐 Frequency differs

Do your plugs fit in South Africa?

In South Africa they use sockets of types C, D, M and N. Your types A and B from the United States won't fit, so you need a power plug travel adapter.

Socket / outlet type C — C · Socket in South Africa

✕ Socket C does not fit your types A and B

Socket / outlet type D — D · Socket in South Africa

✕ Socket D does not fit your types A and B

Socket / outlet type M — M · Socket in South Africa

✕ Socket M does not fit your types A and B

Socket / outlet type N — N · Socket in South Africa

✕ Socket N does not fit your types A and B

Voltage & frequency

🇿🇦 South Africa

230V50Hz

🇺🇸 United States

120V60Hz

Do you need a voltage converter in South Africa?

⚡

Mind the voltage. The standard voltage in South Africa (230V) is much higher than in the United States (120V). Without a converter you risk serious damage to your devices.

🕐

Frequency differs. The frequency in South Africa (50Hz) differs from the United States (60Hz). Be extra careful with motorised devices and items with timers or motors (clocks, shavers, some medical devices).

Many chargers (phones, laptops, cameras) are labelled INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60Hz — those work anywhere and only need a plug adapter, never a converter. Always check the label.

Frequently asked questions

What plug type is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses power sockets of types C, D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz.

Do I need a power plug adapter in South Africa?

Yes. If you travel from the United States you need a power plug travel adapter for types C, D, M and N sockets in South Africa, because your types A and B plugs don't fit.

Do I need a voltage converter in South Africa?

Yes. The voltage in South Africa (230V) differs from the United States (120V), so you need a voltage converter to protect your devices — unless a device is labelled 100–240V.

Learn about the plug types used in South Africa

See every country that uses each of these plug types:

Type C Type D Type M Type N

Countries with similar plugs to South Africa

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