Type M (SANS 164-1) - The South African 15 A Mains Plug
The 15 A heavy-duty cousin of Type D - very large round pins, used across Southern Africa for high-power appliances.
The Type M plug per SANS 164-1 (electrically equivalent to BS 546 15 A) is the legacy South African mains plug for higher power loads. Three large round pins (earth thicker than line and neutral), spaced wider apart than the Type D 5 A variant - they are physically incompatible despite the same family. Used across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. South Africa is gradually transitioning to the modern Type N (NBR 14136 / SANS 164-2) standard, but Type M remains dominant on large appliances (water heaters, stoves, AC units).
Technical Specifications
| Standard | SANS 164-1 (= BS 546 15 A) |
| Rated current | 15 A |
| Rated voltage | 230 V AC |
| Pins | 3 large round (earth thicker) |
| Class | I |
| Countries | South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique |
| Modern successor | Type N (SANS 164-2) |
Matching products in the shop
- Type M power cords
- South Africa travel adapters
Frequently Asked Questions
Type M vs Type D - what is the difference?
Same BS 546 family but different sizes: Type D is 5 A with thinner / closer pins, Type M is 15 A with thicker / wider-spaced pins. The two are physically incompatible.
Is South Africa still using Type M everywhere?
Officially the country has been transitioning to Type N (SANS 164-2 = same as Brazilian NBR 14136) since 2018. New buildings install Type N, but the installed base of Type M is huge and will remain in use for decades.
Will my Schuko fit?
No - the South African socket throat is much larger than Schuko, but the pin layout is incompatible. Use a Type M travel adapter.
Related connectors in the glossary
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