South Africa Type M Travel Adapter (SANS 164-1)
South Africa's main plug is the grounded Type M, which has three large round pins arranged in a triangular pattern. Type M remains widely used in existing South African buildings and is also used in India and several countries in southern Africa.
A South Africa travel adapter, also spelled South Africa travel adaptor or Type M travel adapter, changes the plug shape only. The large three-round-pin South African system commonly called Type M is standardized as SANS 164-1, a two-pole-and-earth, 16 A, 250 V a.c. system. It does not convert voltage.
South Africa Type M Travel Adapter Quick Facts
- Three large round pins arranged in a triangular pattern
- Grounded plug and outlet system
- Standardized in South Africa as SANS 164-1, 16 A, 250 V a.c.
- Standardized in India as the IS 1293 16A system
What Travelers Will Actually Find in South Africa
Type M is the main adapter to bring. The large three-round-pin Type M socket remains common in hotels, guesthouses, safari lodges, homes, and older buildings.
Type N is the newer South African standard and is increasingly found in new and renovated properties, often alongside Type M.
Two-pin Type C Europlugs can fit many Type N sockets and may also work in some hotel outlets. Type D is a legacy plug type that can still be found in older installations but is now uncommon.
Universal travel adapters do not include South Africa's large Type M plug. Travelers need a separate Type M adapter.
South Africa uses 230-volt, 50 Hz electricity. A plug adapter changes plug shape only; equipment that is not rated for the local voltage requires an appropriate voltage converter.
For the full country overview, see the South Africa plug and adapter guide.
Countries Where Type M Is Used
Adapter may also be spelled adaptor. Converter may be spelled convertor. Grounded may also be described as earthed.
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