Power Plugs and Sockets in the United Kingdom - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 from Australia 🇦🇺, then YES, you will need an adapter.
In the United Kingdom, the plug types used are G. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Australia, the plug types used are I. The voltage in Australia is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Type G
⚠️ Your devices from Australia of type I will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.
What are the plugs like in the United Kingdom?
In the United Kingdom, the predominant plug types are G. If you are coming from Australia, then your devices are of type I.
For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in the United Kingdom are not compatible with the devices from Australia and you will not be able to use your devices.
In the United Kingdom, a ‘shaver’ outlet (similar to type C) is sometimes found in bathrooms and provides power to other types of plugs. There is almost always a 110 V outlet and a 220 V outlet on the same unit, or a switch to select the voltage, which is labeled as 110 V and 220 V. The outlet typically has an on-off switch. Plugs and connectors as per the IEC 60309 standard are used for industrial and construction purposes as well as for outdoor applications in residential and commercial areas. Type D and M plugs are still used in theaters, cinemas, and TV studios due to the fact that they have an internal fuse.
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to the United Kingdom?
It is important to know that in the United Kingdom the electrical voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Australia, the electrical voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50Hz.
For this reason, you will not need a voltage converter to use your devices from Australia in the United Kingdom.
Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to the United Kingdom.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in the United Kingdom?
If you are travelling from Australia to the United Kingdom, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you will need an adapter in the United Kingdom to charge your iPhone or Android.
Can I plug in my laptop charger in the United Kingdom?
If you are travelling from Australia to the United Kingdom, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Australia and the United Kingdom have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in the United Kingdom.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in the United Kingdom?
Yes, with respect to voltage and frequency, you will be able to use devices such as your hair dryer or hair straightener in the United Kingdom without any problems.
However, since the plugs in the United Kingdom and Australia are not compatible, you will need a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer.
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