Central African Republic Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Central African Republic, 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 Central African Republic.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Central African Republic uses:
Plug Sockets, Voltage & Adapters in Central African Republic
Central African Republic runs on a 220V supply at 50Hz, in line with most of Africa and Europe. Visitors from countries with different electrical systems will need to check compatibility before plugging in any device. A Central African Republic power plug typically comes in one of two forms: the two-pin Type C Europlug or the grounded Type E plug, both of which are found in homes, hotels, and businesses across the country.
Dual-Voltage Devices and Central African Republic
Many modern electronics, including phone chargers, laptop power supplies, and camera batteries, are dual-voltage and can accept anywhere from 100V to 240V. For these devices, only a plug shape adapter is required, not a voltage converter. Always check the small print on your charger's label to confirm it supports 220-240V before connecting it to a wall socket in Central African Republic.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
The Type E plug used in Central African Republic relies on a distinctive grounding method: rather than the plug carrying its own earth prong, the wall socket itself has a protruding grounding pin that fits into a hole on the plug. This design, inherited from the French CEE 7/5 standard, offers reliable protection for higher-powered appliances like kitchen equipment and power tools. The simpler Type C Europlug, by contrast, has no grounding pin at all and is intended only for low-power, double-insulated devices.
- Type C (Europlug): two round 4mm pins, ungrounded, rated up to 2.5A, best for small electronics
- Type E (French standard): two round 4.8mm pins with a socket-side grounding pin, rated up to 16A, suited to grounded appliances
Central African Republic Travel Adapter Guide
If your home country uses a different plug shape, you'll need a travel adaptor that converts your device's plug into either Type C or Type E pins to fit local sockets. A universal travel adaptor that covers both these plug types is the most practical choice, since both are commonly encountered throughout the country. Remember that an adapter only changes the plug shape—it does not convert voltage, so check your device's voltage rating separately.
- Pack a universal adapter that supports both Type C and Type E pins
- Confirm your device accepts 220-240V before use
- Use a grounded Type E adapter for higher-power appliances requiring earthing
- Avoid using Type C-only adapters with hair dryers, kettles, or heaters
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, unless your home country already uses Type C or Type E plugs. A travel adaptor that fits one or both of these plug types will let you use local wall sockets safely.
Central African Republic uses both Type C (Europlug) and Type E plugs. Type C is a two-pin ungrounded plug for low-power devices, while Type E includes a grounding pin arrangement for higher-power, grounded appliances.
Most phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle the 220V, 50Hz supply used in Central African Republic without a converter. You'll just need a plug adapter to match the Type C or Type E sockets.
Central African Republic operates on a 220V supply at 50Hz. Devices designed for 110-120V systems without dual-voltage support will require a voltage converter.
