Traveling to South Africa? It is important to determine if you need a travel adapter or a voltage converter for South Africa plug and power outlets.
Not to worry, we have all the information you need to ensure a problem-free trip.
What type of plug is used in South Africa power outlet?
The power plugs and outlets used in South Africa are the types D, M, and N plugs.
Type D plug has three round pins arranged in the form of a triangle.
The Type M plug is similar to the type D plug but with larger pins.
Type N plug has two round pins and a grounding close to each other to slightly form a triangle.
What is the voltage and frequency in South Africa?
The standard voltage and frequency in South Africa are 230 V and 50 Hz.
Suppose you are from a country with a standard voltage between 230 V and 240 V, such as Australia, the UK, Europe, Africa, and most parts of Asia.
In that case, electric appliances can be used in South Africa without a voltage converter.
This is a result of the fact that manufacturers take into consideration slight deviations in voltage.
Suppose you are from a country with a standard voltage between 100 V and 127 V, such as Canada, Japan, the US, and South America.
In that case, electric appliances can be used in South Africa with voltage converters.
In cases where the standard frequency of South Africa is different from that of a traveler’s country, electric appliances shouldn’t be used in the country.
However, an exception occurs when no voltage difference exists, though appliances should be used for a limited time and at the owner’s risk.
Caution should also be exercised, especially when using time-related, moving, or rotating appliances such as clocks, shavers, or electric fan heaters.
Certain appliances are free from voltage issues as they can be used with all voltages and frequencies.
On the label of these appliances, an inscription such as “INPUT: 100 – 240 V; 50/60 Hz” is written.
These appliances include chargers of phone cameras, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and electric toothbrushes.
Want to buy a power plug/travel adapter or voltage converter?
The list of travel adapter products and converters available online is endless. However, when you choose a quality travel adapter, you can stay connected to a power source.
Fortunately, here’s our top-3 travel adapter picks from Amazon, in terms of quality, design, and price.
Electricity in South Africa: How does South Africa get its energy?
South Africa’s electricity is generated from coal, hydroelectricity, conventional power stations, wind energy, solar energy, and others.
In 2020 non-renewable sources were responsible for 96% of electricity production.
Renewable sources accounted for 4%.