Travel Adaptor for the UK
& British Plug Type
United Kingdom Plug Type & Sockets
Including: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
See also: Channel Islands, Gibraltar
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
The United Kingdom uses plug type G with matching sockets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
International travellers may need a type G plug adaptor.
UK Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
A type G plug adaptor is all that may be needed for a trip to the UK.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best UK travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the British type G sockets.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
United Kingdom Electrical Supply
The United Kingdom uses plug type G with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
United Kingdom - Traveller Notes
Voltage tolerance of 230 V +10%/-6% (216.2 V to 253 V). The system supply voltage remains centered on 240 V. A "shaver socket" (similar to Type C) is sometimes found in bathrooms that will provide low current to some other plug types. These sometimes have a ~110 V socket and a ~240 V socket in the same unit, or a switch to select voltage for a single socket. The G type socket usually has an on-off switch. IEC 60309 plugs and connectors are used in industrial and construction locations as well as for outdoor use in domestic and other business premises. Plug types D and M were used until the 1960s and are still in preferred use for theatre and TV stage lighting applications due to lack of internal fuse.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a British socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The British mains supply is 230 V which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 127 V or lower you will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate them safely. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - The UK operates at 50 Hz, which is common in countries outside of North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the British supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in the UK. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
United Kingdom Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type G
Type G plugs have 3 rectangular pins in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 13A. The live and neutral pins are 4mm x 6.35mm, 17.7mm long and spaced 22.2mm apart. The earth pin is 4mm x 8mm, 22.7mm long and offset by 22.2mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated and the plugs individually fused. The sockets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) earth pin. This makes type G plugs one of the safest designs in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for the UK
-
The UK uses type G plugs.
-
The UK uses type G sockets.
-
A type G adaptor, should they need one, will allow international travellers to connect to the sockets in the UK.
-
The mains supply in the UK is 230 V, which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single-voltage appliances that are designed to operate at 127 V or lower will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 230 V supply - it is dangerous.
-
International travellers can charge their phone in the UK using their normal phone charger with a type G plug adaptor, if they need one. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect their phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
No, the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta use type G plugs, whereas most of continental Europe uses type C (unearthed) and type E or F (earthed) plugs.
-
British plug adaptors have 3 rectangular pins in a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a UK plug adaptor.
