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What plug and voltage does the UK use?
Type G (the three-pin BS 1363 plug), on a 230 V, 50 Hz supply. Most visitors need a Type G adapter; devices not rated for 230 V also need a converter.
Facts last checked Nov 1, 2026. Britlens is independent: see our editorial policy.
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Short answer: Type G (the three-pin BS 1363 plug), on a 230 V, 50 Hz supply. Most visitors need a Type G adapter; devices not rated for 230 V also need a converter.
What plug type is used in the UK?
The UK uses the Type G plug, standard BS 1363, with three rectangular pins. Ireland also uses Type G.[1][2]
What is the UK mains voltage?
230 V at 50 Hz.[2]
Do I need a voltage converter in the UK?
An adapter only changes the plug shape. Look at the label on each charger: if it says 100-240 V it works on 230 V with just an adapter. A device rated only for a lower voltage, such as 100 V or 120 V, needs a voltage converter or should stay at home.[2]
Plugs and voltage by country
How common home countries compare with the UK (Type G, 230 V, 50 Hz).[2] Each name links to that country’s entry guide.
| Country | Plug types | Voltage | Adapter for the UK? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | I | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Brazil | C, N | 127 V, 60 Hz | Yes, Type G; check devices are rated for 230 V |
| Canada | A, B | 120 V, 60 Hz | Yes, Type G; check devices are rated for 230 V |
| China | A, I | 220 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| France | C, E | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Germany | C, F | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Hong Kong | G, D, M | 220 V, 50 Hz | Type G is also used there |
| India | C, D, M | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Ireland | G | 230 V, 50 Hz | Type G is also used there |
| Israel | C, H | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Italy | C, F, L | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Japan | A, B | 100 V, 50 Hz or 60 Hz | Yes, Type G; check devices are rated for 230 V |
| Mexico | A, B | 120 V, 60 Hz | Yes, Type G; check devices are rated for 230 V |
| Netherlands | C, F | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| New Zealand | I | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Nigeria | D, G | 230 V, 50 Hz | Type G is also used there |
| Poland | C, E | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Qatar | D, F, G, L | 240 V, 50 Hz | Type G is also used there |
| Saudi Arabia | G | 230 V, 60 Hz | Type G is also used there |
| Singapore | C, G, M | 230 V, 50 Hz | Type G is also used there |
| South Africa | C, M, N | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| South Korea | C, F | 220 V, 60 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Spain | C, F | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Sweden | C, F | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| Switzerland | C, J | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes, Type G |
| United Arab Emirates | G | 230 V, 50 Hz | Type G is also used there |
| United States | A, B | 120 V, 60 Hz | Yes, Type G; check devices are rated for 230 V |
Plug and voltage figures come from Wikipedia's table of mains electricity by country, which we use as background rather than an official source.
Related
Sources
Read on the dates shown. Rules, fees and services change: check the source before you rely on it. Pages marked “not read” refused automated access, so we state nothing from them.
- AC power plugs and sockets (opens in new tab), Wikipedia, read Oct 25, 2026
- Mains electricity by country (opens in new tab), Wikipedia, read Nov 1, 2026