Can I Use My CPAP Machine in South Africa?

Q: What plug type does South Africa use?

South Africa uses Type M/N sockets at 230V / 50Hz.

Check your CPAP machine's label before using it in South Africa.

Check your device label first

Device label unknown: confirm actual INPUT
Destination grid 230⁠V / 50⁠Hz
Plug fit Type M/N adapter needed
Verdict Check your device label first

Device voltage: unknown: confirm actual INPUT
Destination grid: 230⁠V / 50⁠Hz
Plug type: Type M/N adapter needed
Typical wattage: 30–90⁠W
Verdict: Check your device label first
Reviewed: 2026-06-17

Based on what's typical for this device — confirm on the label to be sure.

Next step

What to do next

Read label examplesConfirm what 100-240V, 120V, and 230V labels mean.Re-run with label valuesUse the checker again after confirming 100-240V, 120V, or 230V.Add it to a trip checklistKeep CPAP Machine in a saved packing verdict for South Africa.

Why

Compatibility is unconfirmed. Read the exact INPUT voltage range and frequency on your device or power supply, and compare them with the destination. The whole local range must be covered; 110–220V does not include 100V or 230–240V. Confirm the actual plug, grounding and manufacturer restrictions. Do not plug in while these details are unknown. Most modern CPAP machines are dual-voltage (100–240V) and need only a plug adapter — but as a medical device, never assume: confirm the exact label and check whether your heated humidifier is frequency-sensitive. Bring the manufacturer's travel power supply, consider a battery pack for flights, and avoid cheap voltage converters that output a non-pure sine wave.

South Africa runs 230⁠V / 50⁠Hz. South Africa runs 230V at 50Hz. The traditional plug is the large 3-round-pin Type M; newer installations use Type N (IEC 60906-1, the same standard as Brazil). Pack an adapter that covers M (and ideally N) — the sockets are unlike anything in Europe, the US or the UK.

CPAP Machine in South Africa at a glance

Your CPAP machine vs South Africa's grid
Device voltage profile	unknown: confirm actual INPUT
Typical wattage	30–90⁠W
Destination voltage	230⁠V
Destination frequency	50⁠Hz
Destination plug types	Type M/N
Voltage mismatch	120⁠V → 230⁠V = +110⁠V
Verdict	Check your device label first

Plug types in South Africa: Type M, Type N

How different input labels change this answer

Calculated examples for reading labels, not a test of your unit. Compare your actual label before using an example result.

South Africa: 230⁠V · 50⁠Hz

100–240V 50/60Hz → Plug adapter needed
AC 100-240V ~1.0A 50-60Hz → Plug adapter needed

Sources and limits

What the evidence covers

A source supports only the facts, socket types or models listed below. A model example does not verify every device in its category. Confirm your own label and outlet.

Coverage: SABS: SANS 164 household plug and socket guidance; VDE: Power supply and security when traveling
Reviewed: 2026-06-17

Evidence by fact

Nominal voltage: VDE: Power supply and security when traveling Scope: South Africa checked: 2026-07-17
Frequency: VDE: Power supply and security when traveling Scope: South Africa checked: 2026-07-17
Socket types: SABS: SANS 164 household plug and socket guidance Scope: South Africa (Types verified: M, N) checked: 2026-07-17

Scope

SABS: SANS 164 household plug and socket guidance: Identifies the traditional large SANS 164-1 system and the compact SANS 164-2 system required at new outlet points, mapped here to Types M and N.
VDE: Power supply and security when traveling: Differences resolved by checked primary evidence: sockets VDE=C/D/M/N dataset=M/N.

Sources and limits

What the evidence covers

A source supports only the facts, socket types or models listed below. A model example does not verify every device in its category. Confirm your own label and outlet.

Coverage: CPAP Machine
Reviewed: 2026-08-21

Evidence by fact

Voltage profile: ResMed: AirSense 11 user guide (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: ResMed AirSense 11 with 65 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21 ; Philips: DreamStation BiPAP autoSV user manual (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: Philips DreamStation BiPAP autoSV with 80 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21
Profile evidence pending; example only
Wattage range: ResMed: AirSense 11 user guide (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: ResMed AirSense 11 with 65 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21 ; Philips: DreamStation BiPAP autoSV user manual (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: Philips DreamStation BiPAP autoSV with 80 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21
Profile evidence pending; example only
Frequency behavior: ResMed: AirSense 11 user guide (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: ResMed AirSense 11 with 65 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21 ; Philips: DreamStation BiPAP autoSV user manual (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: Philips DreamStation BiPAP autoSV with 80 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21
Profile evidence pending; example only
Grounding: ResMed: AirSense 11 user guide (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: ResMed AirSense 11 with 65 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21 ; Philips: DreamStation BiPAP autoSV user manual (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: Philips DreamStation BiPAP autoSV with 80 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21
Profile evidence pending; example only
Safety guidance: ResMed: AirSense 11 user guide (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: ResMed AirSense 11 with 65 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21 ; Philips: DreamStation BiPAP autoSV user manual (Profile evidence pending; example only) Scope: Philips DreamStation BiPAP autoSV with 80 W power supply checked: 2026-08-21
Profile evidence pending; example only

Scope

ResMed: AirSense 11 user guide: The guide specifies 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, typical/peak consumption, and Class II equipment. These values apply to AirSense 11, not every CPAP.
Philips: DreamStation BiPAP autoSV user manual: The manual specifies 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz and Class II equipment for this model. Exact medical-device instructions remain model-specific.

Find the INPUT label first. If the label is missing or unclear, do not plug it in and do not buy a converter on guesswork.

For medical devices, always confirm voltage on the label and check with the manufacturer when in doubt.

Other devices & destinations

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FAQ

Can I use my CPAP machine in South Africa?

Check your CPAP machine's label before using it in South Africa. South Africa runs 230⁠V / 50⁠Hz on Type M/N sockets.

Will a travel adapter let me use my CPAP machine in South Africa?

Not by itself. First check the label — if your CPAP machine is single-voltage, a plug adapter will not protect it from 230V.

Do I need a voltage converter for a CPAP machine in South Africa?

First check the label. If it says only 120V or only 230V and that does not match South Africa's 230V, do not buy or use a converter until wattage and local voltage are confirmed.

What plug type does South Africa use?

South Africa uses Type M/N sockets at 230⁠V / 50⁠Hz.

Adapter vs converter explained

Guidance only — not professional electrical advice. Always confirm against your device's label before plugging in. Local wiring (especially in hotels and older buildings) can vary.