United Kingdom

Are you planning to visit the United Kingdom? Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in the United Kingdom.

The following information is for travelers living in the United States of America. I live in another country.

Select the country you live in

You need a power plug adapter in the United Kingdom, when living in the United States of America.
You also need a voltage converter.
Be extra careful with certain appliances because of the difference in frequency.

Below you find pictures of the applied power sockets and corresponding plugs. And we provide more information about the voltage and frequency.

Electricity in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom the power plug sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Power plug adapter needed in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom the power plug sockets are of type G. Check out the following pictures. When living in the United States of America you need a power plug adapter for sockets type G.

Your appliances with plug A don't fit socket G.
Your appliances with plug B don't fit socket G.

Power plug sockets type G are used in the United Kingdom — Type G: This socket has no alternative plugs

Buy a power plug (travel) adapter

We don't sell power plug adapters. We refer you to Amazon, where you will find a great selection of travel adapters. Because you may also need a voltage converter, you should consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter (see below).

Find travel adapters at AMAZON.COM #ad

You can also check the map to see the use of different plugs and sockets in the world.

Spread of Power Plugs and Sockets around the world

Voltage converter needed in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

You can't use your electric appliances in the United Kingdom without a voltage converter, because the standard voltage in the United Kingdom (230 V) is higher than in the United States of America (120 V).

You can seriously damage your appliances. You need a voltage converter in the United Kingdom! You can find voltage converters at Amazon. Because you also need a power plug adapter, you should consider a combined plug adapter/voltage converter.

Also the frequency in the United Kingdom (50 Hz) differs from the frequency in the United States of America (60 Hz). You should use a voltage converter which also changes the frequency, but these are hard to find. If your converter can't change the frequency, be warned! Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers and electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz' the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.