Sierra Leone Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Sierra Leone, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type D (BS 546, three large round pins in triangular pattern, grounded) and Type G (BS 1363, three rectangular pins in triangular pattern, 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 Sierra Leone.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Sierra Leone uses:
What Plug Type Does Sierra Leone Use?
The Sierra Leone power plug standard follows British electrical conventions, with Type G being the primary plug type found throughout the country. This BS 1363 plug features three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern, with a longer earth pin that opens the protective shutters inside the socket-outlet before the live and neutral connections engage. Type D plugs, based on the older BS 546 standard with three round pins, also appear in some settings, particularly older buildings or properties with legacy wiring.
Because Sierra Leone was formerly a British territory, its electrical infrastructure inherited UK-style wiring practices. Travelers should expect Type G outlets in most hotels, modern homes, and businesses, though it's worth carrying an adapter that covers both Type G and Type D just in case.
Do All Sockets in Sierra Leone Look the Same?
Not entirely. While Type G is the dominant electrical outlet across urban areas and newer construction, Type D sockets can still be encountered, especially in older establishments. Each socket-outlet is designed to accept only its matching plug type, so a Type G plug will not fit into a Type D socket and vice versa, since the pin shapes and spacing differ significantly.
Dual-Voltage Devices and Sierra Leone
Most modern electronics, such as laptop chargers, phone adapters, and camera battery chargers, are dual-voltage and can handle the 230V, 50Hz supply used in Sierra Leone without an issue. Always check the voltage rating printed on your device's power adapter before plugging in, since single-voltage appliances designed for 110-120V systems will require a separate voltage converter, not just a plug adapter.
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz, consistent with British and much of African electrical standards. The two plug types in use, Type G and Type D, are both grounded designs, meaning appliances with a grounding pin can be safely connected for protection against electrical faults.
- Type G: three rectangular pins, 13A rating, built-in fuse protection, widely used in the UK and former British territories
- Type D: three round pins in a triangular layout, 5A rating, common in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and some African nations
Type G plugs include an internal cartridge fuse that protects individual appliances from overcurrent, a feature that adds a layer of safety not found in many other plug systems. Type D plugs, by contrast, have a lower 5A rating suited to smaller household devices rather than heavy-duty appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your home country uses a different plug shape than Type G or Type D, you'll need a travel adapter to fit local sockets. Since Sierra Leone primarily uses Type G plugs with some Type D sockets still in use, packing an adapter that covers both is a practical choice.
Yes, both plug types used in Sierra Leone, Type G and Type D, are grounded designs. Type G includes a longer earth pin that connects first, while Type D features a larger grounding pin compared to its live and neutral pins.
Sierra Leone operates on a 230V supply at a frequency of 50Hz. This matches the electrical standard used across the UK and much of Africa, so devices built for these regions will generally work without a converter.
Sierra Leone primarily uses Type G plugs, the British three-pin standard with rectangular pins and a built-in fuse. Type D plugs, with three round pins in a triangular pattern, are also found in some locations, particularly older buildings.
