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🇬🇧 United Kingdom to 🇺🇸 United StatesAdapter required. Your plugs are about to go on an adventure.

And the United States's 120 V is lower than home. Dual-voltage chargers are fine; your kettle will sulk.

United States → United Kingdom

What to pack

Plugbert recommends

Type A (US 2-pin) adapter

You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United Kingdom (Type G) don't fit the Type A and B sockets in the United States. A Type A (US 2-pin) adapter fits the listed socket families there. For grounded devices, get a Type B (US 3-pin) adapter for a compatible grounded outlet instead; it does not fit every listed outlet. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.

For equipment requiring earth, choose a Type B (US 3-pin) adapter for a compatible grounded outlet. Check its supported inputs and rated load. A two-pin output cannot provide an earth connection.

Tip: a "universal" travel adapter may be useful for several destinations. Check its wall-side plugs, grounding and power limits against your trip.

Voltage & frequency

🇬🇧 Home

230 V

50 Hz

🇺🇸 There

120 V

60 Hz

Lower voltage
The United States uses 120 V, lower than the 230 V in the United Kingdom. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. Single-voltage devices may run weakly or not at all.

The destination may use a different frequency (50 → 60 Hz). Check your device's input rating for the local frequency; a plug adapter does not change it.

Will my stuff survive?

Decode a device label

  • Phone charger

    Basically all modern USB chargers are 100–240V. Adapter only.

  • Laptop charger

    Look for "100–240V" on the brick. It's almost always there.

  • Camera battery charger

    Usually dual voltage. Check the tiny print.

  • Electric toothbrush

    Many are dual voltage, some are not. Check the base.

  • Electric shaver

    Often dual voltage. Often. Check.

  • CPAP machine

    Most modern ones auto-switch, but confirm before you rely on it to breathe.

  • Hair straightener / curler

    Some have a voltage switch. Many don't. Fire is a bad hairstyle.

  • Hair dryer

    Usually single voltage and very power-hungry. Buy a travel one or use the hotel's.

  • Kettle / coffee maker

    Single voltage, high wattage. Leave it home. Buy coffee abroad like a local.

  • Anything with a heating element

    If it gets hot on purpose, assume it's single voltage.

The plugs

Sockets in 🇺🇸 United States

Type AType B

Your 🇬🇧 United Kingdom plugs

  • Type GWon't fit
All about United States's plugsVisiting several countries? Build a trip kit