Power plugs and sockets in Cuba

Getting ready for your trip means more than just check out what places you are going to visit. It also means to investigate those daily things that you give for granted at home, such as power and electricity at your touristic destination. With this post of Bed and Breakfast in Cuba, you will learn everything you need to know about electricity in Cuba.

Energy and power in the island

With this post we want you to know if you can use your electric appliances in Cuba and how to protect them. But first, it is necessary to learn more about the energy and power supply in Cuba. This way you will know what to expect once you arrive at the island.

Due to the problems that the island has suffered in the last decades, the electrical system of the Caribbean island was affected. So, there is a popular belief that Cuba has an energy deficit that affects all the population. This includes travelers and tourist from all over the world.

Blackouts and power outages are no so frequent anymore. On the island, they call it apagones. But they do not last more than one hour.

Casas particulares, especially in big cities like casas particulares in Havana, are likely to have battery powered lanterns just in case this occurs while they have guests. In the smaller town where these are less easy to buy they use candles. But this is not common, so it probably will not happen to you.

The biggest blackouts could happen because of a hurricane or a big storm. Those are things that men can not control, but is this happen the government will use all the resources in their power to avoid any major problems and to solve the issue.

Also, in recent years Cuba has taken a look at the renewable energy as an alternative to update and improve the electrical system. They even have a project and expect that the 24% of its energy will be renewable in 2030. But they still need the investment to reach that target.

Cubans do their best to protect their appliances. So they will take all the precautions that are within their reach. Probably, when you enter a casa particular, you will find out that your hosts use a surge protector for their electronics. For example, the TV set the fridge, video and any other value devices.

Everything you need to know about electricity in Cuba

If you are already planning a trip to Cuba you must have this information to enjoy the trip. This will avoid you some trouble during your vacations, for example, that one of your devices is damaged. 

Remember that it is important to investigate and to know everything about the country you are visiting.

Do you need a power adaptor? If so, which one do you need? Which power plugs and sockets are used in Cuba? Can you use your electronic devices while you enjoy vacations in the Caribbean island? Here, you will find this information and some other data about electricity in Cuba.

Basic information

You should know that not every country uses the same type of plugs, power supply, electricity, voltage, and frequency of alternating current. Most people overlook this information and when they arrive at their destination they find surprises.

If this happens to you, in most countries it has an easy solution: go to the closest store and buy what you need. But in Cuba, this is not so easy. Probably is better not to try using your appliances at all if you do not have a surge protector so you will avoid that one of your objects get damaged.

The three main things you need to know are:

• Voltage: 110/220 V.
• Frequency: 60 Hz.
• Plugs: Can find A, B, C and L plugs.

Start checking your appliances to find out if you need a travel adaptor for Cuba. If you do, include one in your checklist, so you can be sure about what to pack for a trip to Cuba.

Power plugs and sockets in Cuba

Let’s start explaining about the plugs and sockets. In general, the power outlets on the island are compatible with the US American flat plugs. But, as we said before, this is not the only one you will find in Cuba.

As said before, they also use three other types of plugs: B, C, and L. Here is the difference between each one of them:

• Type A plug: this is the one that has two flat parallel pins. The type A sockets work only with plugs A. And these are mostly used in North and Central America. Also in Japan and China.
• Type B plug: this is similar to the type A, but it has an additional grounding pin. The type B sockets work with plugs A and B.
• Type C plug: the type C plug is the one with two round pins and is the standard in Europe. The type C socket also works with E and F plugs.
• Type L plug: It is the one with three round pins in a line. The L socket works with plug C.

After knowing this, probably you have to consider buying a travel adaptor. A universal adaptor would be the best option because you could use it for all your trips all over the world.

Voltage and frequency in Cuba

The standard voltage in Havana is 110V AC 60 Hz. But also they have 220V AC 60 Hz. It is important to be sure what kind of voltage is used before using any electrical appliance. Just ask the host of the casa particular, they will be willing to give you all the information.

The dual use of voltage can differ from one city to another. Also in big hotels, they can have the two of them in the room.

The local voltage can be less or higher than the one in your country. Check the information in your devices to know if they would work properly in Cuba. It can be dangerous to use them if the voltage is not proper.

Appliances that work with the voltage between 110V and 127V won’t have any problem in Cuba.

Now, the frequency in Cuba is 60Hz. This also affects how the electric appliances work. So, if the frequency is different from your country it is better not to use the devices.

But, there are travelers who take the risk to use their devices even if the frequency is not the same but the voltage is. The problem is that even if they don’t get damage, probably won’t work properly. The risk is only yours; there is a safer way to use your devices.

Voltage converters and transformers to use in Cuba

If the voltage and frequency in your country are not the same in Cuba, then you will need to use a voltage converter and a transformer. This way it would be possible to use electronic devices during your vacations on the island.

The solution when the voltage is not the same you will need a converter. This allows using them. But also, transformers and converters have a maximum power rating and you can’t exceed it.

Most transformers and converters come with a power adaptor, so you won’t have to buy another one.

There are some dual voltages rated appliances that will never need a converter or transformer. Those can be identified with the information on the label. It must states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz'.

If you understand this information and take all precautions you need, you won’t have any problem with electronic devices. This is everything you need to know about electricity in Cuba. Are you ready to travel to the island? Contact us to book at the best casa particular.