HomeUS → UK
Do I need an adapter from US to UK?
You need a Type G adapter for United Kingdom.
United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz → United Kingdom: Type G, 230 V, 50 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type G plug adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type G plug adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type G plug adapter. United Kingdom runs at 50 Hz, not 60 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for UK (on amazon.com)
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Why
Plug shape. United States uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). United Kingdom sockets are Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle, fused plug). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. United States is 120 V; United Kingdom is 230 V. Different voltage families. Dual-voltage devices (INPUT 100–240 V) are fine; single-voltage devices need a converter or will be damaged.
Frequency. United States is 60 Hz; United Kingdom is 50 Hz. Chargers and heating elements do not care; motorised appliances and mains clocks may run at the wrong speed.
United Kingdom: The UK uses the fused three-rectangular-pin Type G plug (BS 1363) everywhere. The only exception is the shaver socket found in hotel bathrooms: a two-pin BS 4573 outlet, often switchable between 115 V and 230 V, limited to about 200 mA. It will run an electric shaver or toothbrush charger but nothing more powerful. Types D and M survive only for stage lighting and remotely switched lights.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from US to UK?
Yes. United States plugs are Type A/B and United Kingdom sockets are Type G, so you need a Type G adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from US to UK?
Only for single-voltage appliances. United States is 120 V and United Kingdom is 230 V, so a United States hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my US phone charger work in UK?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type G plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, UK to US?
See the UK to US guide.