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United Kingdom Plugs, outlets & travel adapters
The United Kingdom uses Type G sockets. The mains supply is 230 V at 50 Hz.
Plugbert's take Type G only. Sturdy, fused, and absolutely lethal to bare feet at 3 a.m.
Do you need a travel adapter for the United Kingdom?
It depends on where your plugs come from.
🇺🇸 From the United States
You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United States (Type A and B) don't fit the Type G sockets in the United Kingdom. A Type G (UK 3-pin) adapter fits the listed socket families there. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
The United Kingdom uses 230 V, much higher than the 120 V in the United States. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. For single-voltage devices, follow the manufacturer's guidance on conversion; using a suitable local device may be simpler.
United States to United Kingdom in fullFrom other countries
Somewhere else?
Sockets you'll find in the United Kingdom
What to expect in the United Kingdom
Pack a UK Type G adapter
The UK's Type G plug has three rectangular pins and a fuse. Electrical Safety First lists 230 V, 50 Hz as the supply. US, Canadian and continental European plugs need an appropriate adapter for ordinary UK sockets.
Choose an adapter that accepts your own plug, has the proper fused UK output and meets your equipment's grounding needs. VisitBritain describes the fused three-pin design; a product's fuse and rated load still need to suit its intended use.
A hotel shaver socket is a separate case
VisitBritain notes that some hotels provide two-pin sockets for shavers. Do not plan to use those as ordinary travel-adapter replacements. Use an appropriate wall outlet and check the marked purpose and rating of any special socket.
A continental “Europe adapter” is not sufficient for a UK and France itinerary. A universal adapter needs a documented Type G output, supported home-plug inputs, suitable earthing and adequate load limits.
Check 230 V before plugging in
VisitBritain describes the supply as 220/240 V; we use Electrical Safety First's 230 V nominal figure. This is not a reason to assume multiple regional household voltages.
A charger labelled 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz covers the listed UK supply. A 120 V-only US appliance does not. Follow the device maker's instructions for conversion or use suitable local equipment. The device-label guide helps you find the input rating rather than mistaking a charger output for its mains requirement.
Will your devices work in the United Kingdom?
Sockets in the United Kingdom supply 230 V. Find the "input" line on each device or its charger. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. Check that the input frequency also covers 50 Hz. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage or frequency. For switchable devices, follow the manufacturer's instructions before plugging in.
Often rated 100–240 V; confirm on the charger: phone charger, laptop charger, camera battery charger.
Check the label first: electric toothbrush, electric shaver, CPAP machine, hair straightener / curler.
Usually single voltage: hair dryer, kettle / coffee maker, anything with a heating element.
Plug twins
These countries list the same plug types and a similar voltage range. Check each guide for socket variants and local exceptions.