Réunion Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Réunion, 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 230V and 50Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Réunion.
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Réunion uses:
Plug Sockets, Voltage & Adapters in Réunion
A Réunion power plug setup runs on 230V at 50Hz, matching the standard used throughout mainland France and much of Europe. Travelers arriving from countries with different voltage systems, such as North America, will need to check their device compatibility before plugging in. Réunion uses both Type C and Type E plugs, so packing the right adapter ahead of time will save you a scramble upon arrival.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
Most modern electronics, including phone chargers, laptop adapters, and camera battery chargers, are built to handle a range of voltages from around 100V to 240V, meaning a separate voltage converter usually isn't required for these devices in Réunion. However, if you're bringing high-wattage appliances designed strictly for 110-120V systems, such as certain hair styling tools, a voltage converter becomes necessary to avoid damaging the device. Always check the label on your appliance for the accepted voltage range before connecting it to a local electrical outlet.
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Réunion
Réunion's electrical system relies on two plug standards shared with mainland France. The Type C Europlug is the compact two-pin design rated for low-power devices up to 2.5 amps, commonly used for smartphones, tablets, and small electronics that don't require grounding. The Type E plug, featuring two round 4.8mm pins alongside a hole that accepts a grounding pin from the socket-outlet, is rated for 16 amps and is used for larger household appliances, kitchen equipment, and power tools.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
Type E sockets in Réunion incorporate a distinctive grounding method where the protruding grounding pin is built into the wall socket itself rather than the plug, entering a corresponding hole on the plug when connected. This design, inherited from the French CEE 7/5 standard, offers reliable earthing for appliances that need it, while the recessed socket shape also adds a layer of protection against accidental contact. Type C Europlugs, being ungrounded, can still be inserted into these sockets, but they won't provide any grounding protection.
- Type C Europlug: two round 4mm pins, ungrounded, rated up to 2.5A, ideal for small electronics
- Type E plug: two round 4.8mm pins with grounding pin hole, rated up to 16A, used for larger appliances
- Voltage: 230V at 50Hz across Réunion
- Adapters may be needed for visitors arriving with non-European plug shapes
Frequently Asked Questions
If your home country uses Type C or Type E plugs, such as mainland France, you won't need an adapter. Visitors from countries with different plug shapes, like the UK, US, or Australia, will need an adapter to fit Réunion's Type C and Type E sockets.
Yes, most phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle Réunion's 230V, 50Hz supply without any issue. You'll only need a plug adapter if your charger's plug doesn't match the Type C or Type E sockets used locally, not a voltage converter.
Réunion uses Type E sockets, which are grounded, alongside Type C sockets, which are not. Type E sockets provide grounding through a pin located in the socket itself that connects to a hole on the plug, offering reliable protection for larger appliances.
Pack a plug adapter compatible with Type C or Type E sockets if your devices use a different plug shape from home. For grounded appliances, make sure your adapter supports Type E's grounding pin connection rather than just the ungrounded Type C configuration.
