Tanzania Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Tanzania, 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 Tanzania.
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Understanding Tanzania's Power Plugs and Sockets
Tanzania power plug standards reflect the country's British colonial history, with the electrical grid running on 230V at 50Hz. Travelers will encounter two main plug types in the country, both grounded and both originating from British electrical standards: Type D and Type G. Understanding these AC power plugs and sockets before you arrive will help you pack the right adapters and avoid damaging sensitive electronics.
Do All Sockets in Tanzania Look the Same?
No, sockets in Tanzania are not uniform across the country. Type G, the British BS 1363 standard with three rectangular pins, is widely found in hotels, offices, and newer buildings, while Type D, with its three large round pins in a triangular pattern, also appears in various locations. Because of this mix, a wall socket in one building may not match the wall socket in another, so it's wise to carry an adapter that handles both plug top styles or a universal adapter that covers each configuration.
Plug Fuse and Safety Features
Type G plugs include an internal cartridge fuse, typically rated at 3A or 13A, which protects individual appliances from overcurrent and is considered one of the safest plug designs available, thanks in part to its insulated pins and socket shutters that block accidental contact. Type D plugs, by contrast, carry a 5A rating without an internal fuse, which is adequate for most small household electronics but not suited to heavy-duty appliances. When packing devices for Tanzania, it's worth checking the fuse rating of any Type G plug top to ensure it matches the power draw of the appliance being used.
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Tanzania
Tanzania's electrical infrastructure supports both Type D and Type G plugs, each grounded and designed for 220-240V systems. Type G, the dominant British BS 1363 standard, is common in many former British territories including Kenya and Nigeria alongside Tanzania, while Type D remains associated with the Indian subcontinent but also appears in select African nations. Visitors bringing electronics from regions using other plug types will need an adapter, since neither Type D nor Type G is physically compatible with plugs of different pin configurations.
- Type D: three round pins in a triangular pattern, 5A rating, no internal fuse
- Type G: three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, 13A rating, internal cartridge fuse
- Both types are grounded and support 220-240V appliances
- Socket shapes vary by building, so carrying an adapter for both is recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Most likely, yes, unless your home country already uses Type D or Type G plugs. Since Tanzania uses both plug types, a universal or dual-format adapter is the safest choice for covering hotels and other buildings that may use either standard.
Yes, both plug types used in Tanzania are grounded. Type D includes a larger diameter earth pin, while Type G's earth pin is longer than the live and neutral pins, ensuring the ground connection engages first for added safety.
Tanzania uses both Type D and Type G plugs. Type D features three round pins in a triangular arrangement, while Type G, the British BS 1363 standard, has three rectangular pins and is more widely recognized internationally.
Pack an adapter compatible with both Type D and Type G plug tops, since wall socket styles vary across the country. If your devices aren't rated for 230V, also bring a voltage converter, as Tanzania's supply runs at 230V, 50Hz.
