Travel Adapter for the UK
& British Plug Type
United Kingdom Plug Type & Outlets
Including: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
See also: Channel Islands, Gibraltar
- Voltage
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230 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
The United Kingdom uses plug type G with matching outlets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Neither of your American plugs (type A or B) will fit any of the British outlets.
You will need a US to type G plug adapter.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to UK Plug Adapters
Best choice
Our Adapter Recommendation
A US to type G plug adapter is all that you will need for a trip to the UK.
A simple ungrounded adapter 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 grounded equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose a grounded adapter or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best US to UK travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the British type G outlets.
Need some ideas for your trip? We found a helpful guide for planning a trip to the UK that you might be able to get some useful information from, including local info, tips and ideas of interesting places to visit & things to do.
Choosing the Right Power Adapter
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and outlet configurations you now need to decide what sort of adapter suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adapter, here are some useful features to consider:
- Grounded vs ungrounded adapters
- Multiplug adapters
- Extensions / power strip adapters (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 adapters (any plug to any outlet) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adapters
United Kingdom Electrical Supply
The United Kingdom uses plug type G with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
United Kingdom - Traveler Notes
Voltage tolerance of 230 V +10%/-6% (216.2 V to 253 V), widened to 230 V ±10% (207 V to 253 V) in 2008. The system supply voltage remains centered on 240 V. [14] 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 adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a British outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The British mains supply is 230 V which is well above the normal US range of 120 V +/- 5%. Single-voltage US appliances designed for 120 V will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate safely. If it is not marked as able to accept the local voltage do not plug it in! 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, compared with 60 Hz in the US. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. However, some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly at 50 Hz. 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 travelers.
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 adapter.
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 ground 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 outlets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) ground pin. This makes type G plugs one of the safest designs in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters for the UK
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The UK uses type G plugs.
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The UK uses type G outlets.
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American travelers will need a USA (type A/B) to type G plug adapter for the UK. Adapters with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. Some US appliances may also require a voltage converter.
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The mains supply in the UK is 230 V which is well above the normal US range of 120 V +/- 5%. 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 US appliances designed for 120 V 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.
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To charge your phone in the UK you can use your normal phone charger with a type G plug adapter. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a travel adapter with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adapter'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 (ungrounded) and type E or F (grounded) plugs.
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British plug adapters have 3 rectangular prongs in a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a UK plug adapter.
