Travel adapter from Ireland to South Africa — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses Type C and Type M and Type N plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in Ireland and South Africa, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from Ireland, you will need a travel adapter for South Africa. Ireland uses Type G plugs, and South Africa uses Type C/Type M/Type N, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket.

Ireland (home)

Type G Three rectangular pins 220–240V

South Africa (destination)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type M Three large round pins 220–240V Type N Two round pins + round ground 127–230V

Electrical specifications in South Africa

Voltage

Ireland 230 V

South Africa 230 V

Match

Frequency

Ireland 50 Hz

South Africa 50 Hz

Match

More about plugs in South Africa

In South Africa, the standard power plug is Type C and Type M and Type N. The country runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That means wall sockets in South Africa can be one of 3 different shapes — Type C, Type M, Type N, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full South Africa plug guide