Electrical Plugs &
Sockets in Rwanda

Rwanda electricity standard: 230 V, 50 Hz, with plug types C, E, G.

Rwanda’s electrical system uses the same 230 V / 50 Hz standard found across most of Africa and Europe. French Type E was historically the standard, but Rwanda has now adopted British Type G as the official East African Community plug, required in all new construction.

CEG

Plug & Socket Types

Rwanda’s sockets are Types E and G. Type C is also listed in international references because the Europlug fits directly into Type E sockets, making it the most common plug in everyday use, even though no dedicated Type C sockets exist.

Type C Europlug — two round pins, ungrounded
C

Type C

Europlug

The Europlug is listed for Rwanda because it is physically compatible with Type E sockets, and there are no dedicated Type C-only sockets installed in Rwanda. However, the Type C plug is widely used in practice: its compact, ungrounded two-pin design is the standard for low-power devices like phone chargers, laptops, and small appliances, and it fits directly into the Type E sockets found across the country.

Pins
2 round pins, 4.0 mm diameter, 19 mm spacing
Grounded
No
Rated current
2.5 A
Compatibility
Fits into Type E (and Type F) sockets

Where found

No dedicated Type C sockets exist in Rwanda. Type C plugs are used everywhere via compatibility with Type E sockets, making them the most common plug type encountered in daily life.

Type E French plug and socket — two round pins with ground pin on socket
E

Type E

French Plug

The Type E system features a grounding pin that protrudes from the socket face, connecting with a hole in the plug. This is the historical standard grounded socket type in Rwanda, a legacy of Belgian colonial electrical infrastructure. While being phased out in favour of Type G, Type E remains the most widespread grounded socket in older buildings across the country.

Pins
2 round pins, 4.8 mm diameter + ground pin on socket
Grounded
Yes
Rated current
16 A
Compatibility
Accepts Type C and Type E plugs

Where found

Standard in older Rwandan buildings, especially residential and commercial construction built under Belgian and French electrical influence. Still the most commonly encountered grounded socket type across the country.

Type G British plug and socket — three rectangular pins with fuse
G

Type G

British Plug

The British plug features three rectangular pins and a built-in fuse, a safety feature unique to this design. Each plug contains a replaceable fuse that protects the individual appliance circuit. Type G was adopted as the official East African Community (EAC) standard in the early 2010s, with enforcement initially focused on commercial buildings. Rwanda now requires it in all new electrical installations to harmonise with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Pins
3 rectangular pins in triangular pattern
Grounded
Yes
Rated current
13 A (fused)
Compatibility
Only fits Type G sockets

Where found

The official standard since the early 2010s, initially enforced for commercial buildings. Found in commercial properties, international hotels, government facilities, and increasingly in newer residential construction. Growing in prevalence across Kigali and other urban centres as Rwanda's electrical infrastructure modernises.

Note on Type F (Schuko): Type F is listed by the IEC for Rwanda but is uncommon in practice, mostly encountered through imported European appliances rather than as a widespread wiring standard.

The Type J Database Error

Why some sources incorrectly list Rwanda as using Swiss plugs

Incorrect (old data)

C / J

Listed Rwanda with the Swiss Type J plug

Correct (current)

C / E / G

The actual plug types used in Rwanda

Some international databases, notably those derived from IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) data, incorrectly listed Rwanda as using plug types C and J. The Type J plug is a three-pin design used exclusively in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and it has never been part of Rwanda’s electrical infrastructure.

This error likely originated from a data entry mistake that was then propagated across multiple reference databases and travel websites that sourced their information from the same upstream data. Because many sites copy from the same authoritative sources without independent verification, the incorrect C/J listing became widely repeated.

The error has since been corrected in authoritative sources. Rwanda’s official plug types are C, E, and G.

Type J Swiss plug and socket — three round pins in offset triangular pattern

Type J: Swiss Plug

Three round pins in an offset triangular pattern. Used only in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This plug type has no historical or practical connection to Rwanda’s electrical system.

Correction Timeline

Pre-2020s

Error enters IEC-derived databases

IEC-sourced data lists Rwanda as using plug types C and J. The origin is likely a data entry mistake. Type J (Swiss) was associated with Rwanda without basis.

Years following

Propagation across the web

Travel sites, adapter retailers, and reference databases copy the C/J listing from upstream sources without independent verification. The error becomes widely repeated.

2025

IEC World Plugs corrected

The IEC World Plugs database corrects Rwanda's listing to C, E, F, G, removing Type J entirely. Other primary references such as worldstandards.eu are also updated.

Present

Most sources corrected, some lag behind

The majority of authoritative sources now list C, E, G (some include F). A few secondary sites still display the old C/J data.

Note: The IEC correction occurred in 2025. Earlier timeline periods are approximate, based on observable changes across reference sources.

Quick Facts

Voltage

230 V

Same as most of Europe and Africa

Frequency

50 Hz

Standard AC frequency

Plug types

C, E, G

Type G is the new EAC standard

Plug Compatibility

✓

European 2-pin (Type C) plugs work directly in most sockets.

✓

French (Type E) plugs work in Type E sockets, common in older buildings.

✓

British (Type G) sockets are found in newer buildings and hotels. You may also encounter them in some older buildings.

⚠

US, Canadian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Indian and other non-European plug types will need an adapter.

ℹ

A universal travel adapter is recommended for the best coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plug types are used in Rwanda?
Rwanda uses plug types C, E, and G. Type C (Europlug) is listed due to its compatibility with Type E sockets, and there are no dedicated Type C sockets installed. Type E (French) is the historical standard from Belgian colonial infrastructure. Type G (British) is the official East African Community standard, now required in all new construction.
What voltage and frequency does Rwanda use?
Rwanda uses 230 V at 50 Hz, the same standard as most of Europe and Africa. No voltage converter is needed for devices rated for this standard.
Why do some websites list Type J for Rwanda?
Some international databases, notably those derived from IEC data, incorrectly listed Rwanda as using plug types C and J. Type J is the Swiss plug, used exclusively in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This was a data entry error that propagated across reference databases. It has since been corrected in authoritative sources, though a few secondary sites still show the old data.
Do I need a travel adapter for Rwanda?
It depends on where you're from. European two-pin (Type C) plugs work directly in most Rwandan sockets. French (Type E) plugs work in the Type E sockets common in older buildings. Travellers from the UK, US, Australia, and other regions will need an adapter. A universal travel adapter is recommended for the best coverage across both older and newer buildings.
What is the East African Community (EAC) plug standard?
The EAC has adopted Type G (British BS 1363) as its official plug standard. Rwanda, along with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, now requires Type G sockets in all new electrical installations. This means Type G is becoming increasingly common, especially in Kigali and other urban centres.

Sources & Evidence

Primary and secondary references confirming Rwanda’s plug types. Each source was independently checked.

Sources listing corrected data

IEC World Plugs· International Electrotechnical Commission
Lists: C, E, F, G

The official IEC database corrected Rwanda's listing in 2025 to types C, E, F, and G, removing the erroneous Type J. Type F (Schuko) is included but is uncommon in practice.

Accessed: April 2026

worldstandards.eu· World Standards
Lists: C, E, F, G

Lists four types including F (Schuko). Explains that C and E are from Belgian colonial history, while G was introduced through East African Community trade. Notes that "Rwanda takes a mix-and-match approach to electrical plugs."

Accessed: April 2026

Energy in Rwanda· Wikipedia
Lists: C, E, G

Confirms the historical use of C and E from Belgian colonial influence, and that Type G (BS 1363) has been adopted as the official EAC standard for new installations.

Accessed: April 2026

Lists: C, E, G

States that "Type C or E plug will work in most places" and that Type G is the official East African Community standard found in modern construction.

Accessed: April 2026

Lists: C, E, F, G

Correctly identifies all four associated plug types for Rwanda at 230V / 50Hz, with details on each plug's pin configuration.

Accessed: April 2026

Power plugs and sockets in Rwanda· Power Plugs & Sockets World
Lists: C, E, F, G

Lists Type C as the primary plug alongside E, F, and G. Includes a compatibility checker for travelers and confirms 230V / 50Hz standard.

Accessed: April 2026

Power plugs in Rwanda· World Power Plugs
Lists: C, E, F, G

Lists all four outlet types at 230V / 50Hz. Notes Type C compatibility with E and F sockets, and that Type G outlets only accept Type G plugs.

Accessed: April 2026

Sources still showing incorrect data

power-plugs-sockets.comLists: C, J

Still displays the old, incorrect C/J listing as of April 2026. An example of the error persisting in secondary sources.

Electrical Safety FirstLists: C, J

A UK charity's travel adaptor guide still lists the incorrect C/J combination for Rwanda as of April 2026, likely sourced from the old IEC data.