Kerguelen Islands Travel Adapters
Type C and Type E • 230 volts • 50 Hz
The Kerguelen Islands rank among the most isolated places on Earth. The nearest permanently inhabited land, Madagascar, sits more than 3,300 kilometers away, and with no airport, the only way in or out is by ship. The west coast's winds average 35 km/h, with gusts routinely reaching 150 to 200 km/h.
The Kerguelen Islands are a remote group of islands in the southern Indian Ocean administered by France as part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Sometimes called the Desolation Islands, the archipelago is uninhabited except for a small scientific research station at Port-aux-Français. The islands are known for their harsh climate, rugged terrain, and abundant seabird and marine wildlife.
The Kerguelen Islands use the same electrical system as mainland France at the Port-aux-Français research station, with mains electricity supplied at about 230 volts at 50 Hz. Wall outlets use Type C and Type E sockets. Travelers from regions that use different plug types should bring a compatible travel adapter if visiting the station. Visitors should confirm that their electronic devices support 100–240V input or use an appropriate voltage converter if necessary.
What Plug Type Do the Kerguelen Islands Use?
Click image for adapter details
Adapter may also be spelled adaptor. Converter may be spelled convertor. Grounded may also be described as earthed.
The Kerguelen Islands use Type C and Type E outlets, the same standard used throughout mainland France. Type E is grounded with a socket-mounted pin; the ungrounded Type C Europlug also fits Type E sockets.
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Do I need a voltage converter for the Kerguelen Islands?
Only if your device isn't dual voltage. Most phones, laptops, and cameras are rated for 100–240V and only need a plug adapter for outlets at the Kerguelen Islands' research station. High-wattage single-voltage appliances, like hair dryers, straighteners, or some CPAP machines, need a voltage converter, not just an adapter. Check the device label for its voltage rating before you travel.
Can I use my US phone charger in the Kerguelen Islands?
Most modern phone and laptop chargers are rated for 100–240V, so they work on the 230V supply used at the Kerguelen Islands' research station without a separate converter. You'll still need a plug adapter, since the charger's US plug won't physically fit the local outlets.
Are the Kerguelen Islands and US power outlets interchangeable?
No. The Kerguelen Islands use Type C and Type E outlets and the US uses Type A/B. The plug shapes are different, and the local supply runs at 230V compared to 120V in the US, so a plug adapter alone is only safe for devices that already support both voltages.
Does the Kerguelen Islands use more than one plug type?
Yes. The Kerguelen Islands use two plug types: Type E, a grounded plug with a round pin and a socket-mounted grounding pin, and Type C, an ungrounded two round-pin Europlug that also fits Type E sockets.
