United Kingdom power plugs and voltage
You will need a travel adapter
United Kingdom uses Type G, Type D and Type M sockets at 230 V / 50 Hz. Pick the country you are travelling from to see exactly what you need.
- Plug types
- G / D / M 3 socket types in use
- Voltage
- 230 V High-voltage grid (220–240 V)
- Frequency
- 50 Hz 50 Hz — Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania
- National standard
- BS 1363, BS 546 Grid reliability: Excellent
Where your plug will also work
All countries →These countries use at least one of the same socket types as United Kingdom, so an adapter bought for this trip often works there too.
What to expect in United Kingdom
Type G at 230 V / 50 Hz, with a fuse inside every plug and shutters that only open for the long earth pin. Nothing else fits. Hotel bathrooms usually add a two-pin shaver socket limited to a few hundred watts.
What the sockets look like
Power in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom uses Type G, Type D and Type M power plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V and the supply frequency is 50 Hz. Major sources of power generation include natural gas, wind energy, and nuclear power, reflecting a shift toward cleaner energy sources. The UK's power grid is known for its excellent reliability, with minimal outages and robust infrastructure. Renewable energy, particularly wind power, has seen significant growth, contributing to the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Overall, the UK's power infrastructure is modern, efficient, and well-maintained, ensuring a stable supply of electricity to its population.
Recommended gear
Adapters & converters →
EPICKA 75 W GaN universal travel adapter
One block that covers US, UK, EU and Australian sockets, with 75 W of USB-C charging — enough for a laptop without carrying its power brick.
- Plugs for US / UK / EU / AU sockets
- 3× USB-C (75 W total) + 2× USB-A
- Universal AC socket, fused, up to 2000 W
- About 250 g
It does not convert voltage. A 120 V appliance still gets 230 V in Europe, whatever adapter you use.
Best for: Phones, laptops, cameras, tablets and anything dual-voltage.
Check price on AmazonOn a budget? A single-purpose adapter for United Kingdom sockets costs a fraction of the universal block — it does the same job, but only for this one socket type.
Fits UK, Ireland, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Gulf sockets. Takes any two- or three-pin plug on the other side.
Check price on Amazon ↗As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra and never change what we recommend.