South Africa

Are you planning to visit South Africa? Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in South Africa.

The following information is for travelers living in the United States of America.I live in another country.

  • You need a power plug adapter in South Africa, when living in the United States of America.
  • You also need a voltage converter.
  • Be extra careful with certain appliances because of the difference in frequency.

Below you find pictures of the applied power sockets and corresponding plugs. And we provide more information about the voltage and frequency.

Electricity in South Africa

In South Africa the power plug sockets are of type D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Power plug adapter needed in South Africa?

In South Africa the power plug sockets are of type D, M and N. Check out the following pictures. When living in the United States of America you need a power plug adapter for sockets type D, M and N.

  • Your appliances with plug A don’t fit socket D, M or N.
  • Your appliances with plug B don’t fit socket D, M or N.
Type D: This socket has no alternative plugs
Type D: This socket has no alternative plugs
Type M: This socket has no alternative plugs
Type M: This socket has no alternative plugs
Type N: This socket also works with plug C
Type N: This socket also works with plug C

Voltage converter needed in South Africa?

In South Africa the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

  • You can’t use your electric appliances in South Africa without a voltage converter, because the standard voltage in South Africa (230 V) is higher than in the United States of America (120 V).

You can seriously damage your appliances. You need a voltage converter in South Africa! You can find voltage converters at Amazon. Because you also need a power plug adapter, you should consider a combined plug adapter/voltage converter.

Also the frequency in South Africa (50 Hz) differs from the frequency in the United States of America (60 Hz). You should use a voltage converter which also changes the frequency, but these are hard to find. If your converter can’t change the frequency, be warned! Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers and electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.