Burkina Faso Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Burkina Faso, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type C (CEE 7/16 (Europlug), two round pins, ungrounded) and Type E (CEE 7/5, two round pins plus hole for socket grounding pin, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 220V and 50Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Burkina Faso.
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Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Burkina Faso uses:
What Plug Type Does Burkina Faso Use?
The Burkina Faso power plug setup includes two types: Type C and Type E. Type C, also known as the Europlug, is a compact two-pin ungrounded plug with round 4mm pins, rated for 2.5A at 220-240V, and is best suited to low-power electronics like phone chargers and cameras. Type E is the French-standard grounded plug, featuring two round 4.8mm pins and a hole that accepts a grounding pin from the wall socket, rated for 16A at 220-240V, making it suitable for higher-power appliances such as kitchen equipment and power tools.
Burkina Faso's electrical system reflects its history as a former French colony, which is why the French Type E standard is common alongside the widely used Europlug. Travelers bringing electronics from North America, the UK, or other regions with different plug shapes will need an adapter to connect to a local electrical outlet.
Plug Sockets, Voltage & Adapters in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso runs on a 220V supply at 50Hz, in line with most of West Africa and Europe. This means visitors from countries with 220-240V systems generally won't need a voltage converter, while those from 100-127V countries (such as the US or Canada) should check whether their devices support dual voltage before plugging in.
Do All Sockets in Burkina Faso Look the Same?
Not exactly. Type E sockets have a recessed design with a protruding grounding pin that fits into the hole on a Type E plug, offering extra protection against accidental contact. Type C Europlugs can also be inserted into these same sockets, but since the Europlug has no grounding pin, it won't connect with the socket's ground contact. This mix means the shape and depth of a wall socket can vary slightly depending on which standard was installed.
Where to Buy a Travel Adapter for Burkina Faso
A travel adaptor for Burkina Faso is easy to find before you leave home, available at airport shops, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces. Look for adapters that specifically support Type C and Type E pins, or consider a universal adapter that covers both along with other regional standards. Buying ahead of your trip is usually cheaper and more reliable than searching for one after arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your devices use a different plug shape than Type C or Type E, yes, you'll need a travel adapter. Since Burkina Faso uses these two plug types, matching your adapter to the correct pins ensures a secure fit in the local sockets.
Burkina Faso uses Type C (the Europlug) and Type E (the French standard grounded plug). Type C is a two-pin ungrounded plug rated for 2.5A, while Type E offers grounded protection at 16A for higher-power appliances.
Yes, in most cases. Burkina Faso's 220V, 50Hz supply matches what phone chargers are typically designed to handle, since most modern chargers support a wide voltage range, so a simple plug adapter is usually all that's needed.
Burkina Faso operates on a 220V supply at 50Hz. This is consistent with the electrical standards used across much of Europe and West Africa.
