HomeUK → US
Do I need an adapter from UK to US?
You need a Type A or B adapter for United States.
United Kingdom: Type G, 230 V, 50 Hz → United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type G plugs do not fit United States's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type G plugs do not fit United States's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 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 A plug adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 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 A plug adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type G plugs do not fit United States's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 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 A plug adapter. United States runs at 60 Hz, not 50 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for US (on amazon.co.uk)
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Why
Plug shape. United Kingdom uses Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle, fused plug). United States sockets are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. United Kingdom is 230 V; United States is 120 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 Kingdom is 50 Hz; United States is 60 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 UK to US?
Yes. United Kingdom plugs are Type G and United States sockets are Type A/B, so you need a Type A adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from UK to US?
Only for single-voltage appliances. United Kingdom is 230 V and United States is 120 V, so a United Kingdom 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 UK phone charger work in US?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type A plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, US to UK?
See the US to UK guide.