Type M Socket And Plug

The Type M plug and socket, commonly known as the large South African plug and socket, is used almost exclusively in South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), and Lesotho.

The Type M plug looks very similar to the Indian Type D plug, but all three of its pins are larger. The Type M plug is rated for 15 amperes and has three round pins arranged in a triangular pattern. The grounding pin in the center is 28.6 mm long and 8.7 mm in diameter. The neutral and live pins are 18.6 mm long and 7.1 mm in diameter, with their centers spaced 25.4 mm apart. Type M plugs used in South Africa generally have insulation at the base of the pins, so even if the plug is not fully inserted into the socket, the risk of electric shock can be avoided.

Type M plug

Although India and Nepal primarily use Type D plugs and sockets, some large appliances also use Type M plugs. Some sockets in these countries can accommodate both Type M and Type D plugs. In the United Kingdom, despite the government's strong promotion of CEE industrial plugs and sockets, Type M plugs and sockets remain the most commonly used power standard in theater facilities.

Type M socket with switch

Incidentally, the South African government decided in 2013 to designate Type N plugs and sockets as the preferred power standard and plans to gradually replace Type M plugs and sockets with them. Starting in 2018, all new construction in South Africa must include at least one Type N socket. The South African government plans to complete the entire transition process over 20 to 50 years.