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Type M power plug diagram
Large South African plugBS 546 15AOld British 15A

Type M

Type M is a larger version of Type D, with the same triangular pin arrangement but bigger pins. It's primarily used in South Africa for high-power appliances and is also found in some other African and Asian countries.

⏚ Grounded220-240V50Hz3 Pins15A

Technical Specifications

Pin Shape
Large round pins in triangle
Number of Pins
3
Grounded
Yes
Voltage
220-240V
Frequency
50Hz
Max Amperage
15A

Pin Dimensions

pin Length28.6mm
pin Diameter7.1mm
pin Spacing25.4mm
grounding Pin Diameter7.1mm

History

Type M was originally a British 15A plug standard (BS 546). While Britain has moved to Type G, Type M remains in use in South Africa and other former British territories for high-power circuits.

Safety Features

Type M features grounding and large pin spacing for safety. The substantial pin size makes it suitable for high-current applications. Some modern South African outlets accept both Type M and Type D.

Compatibility

Type M outlets are specifically for Type M plugs due to the large pin size. In South Africa, Type D outlets are common for lower-power devices. Some adapters allow Type C plugs to fit Type M outlets.

Travel Tips

  • Type M adapters are essential for South Africa travel
  • Many South African accommodations have a mix of Type M, D, and sometimes C outlets
  • Consider a South African-specific multi-adapter for convenience
  • Type M is used for high-power devices; Type D for regular devices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Type M power plug?

Type M is a larger version of Type D, with the same triangular pin arrangement but bigger pins. It's primarily used in South Africa for high-power appliances and is also found in some other African and Asian countries.

Which countries use Type M plugs?

Type M plugs are used in 9+ countries, primarily in Southern Africa, Parts of South Asia. Popular countries include Botswana, Eswatini, India, Lesotho, Mozambique.

Is Type M a grounded plug?

Yes, Type M is a grounded (earthed) plug with 3 pins, providing protection against electrical faults.

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