Voltage within the UK (The whole lot you want to know)

When did the UK change to 240 volts?

In 2003, the voltage used all through the continent of Europe was set at 230V and 50 Hz. Earlier than this, it was formally 220V in Europe and 240V within the UK.

Why is UK voltage so excessive?

The reply to this one would possibly shock you. Apparently, Europe opted for a 230-volt energy provide as a result of much less copper wire was wanted to ship a better voltage. This implies energy corporations can ship a extra environment friendly provide.

Are Kind G pin plugs used wherever outdoors the UK?

You could surprise if you need to use that energy adaptor when travelling to different locations in future. Any such plug – with three pins in a triangle – can also be widespread in another international locations. 

These embody Eire, Malta and Cyprus – in addition to locations in Asia, the Center East and Africa. Corresponding to Hong Kong, Tanzania, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and extra. Some Caribbean islands additionally use three pin plugs, together with St Lucia. They’re additionally used within the Seychelles.  

Does the UK and Europe have the identical sort of plugs?

No, it could shock you to study that completely different plugs are used within the UK to these utilized in Europe. Principally the Kind C plug is used throughout mainland Europe, whereas Kind G is customary within the UK. The excellent news is that sort C adaptors are additionally appropriate with sort E, F, J, Ok and N sockets. 

So in case you’re visiting the UK and mainland Europe, then you definitely’ll want to purchase two adaptors. Or streamline the entire course of by shopping for one common adaptor as an alternative. This kind can be utilized all around the world. 

The sort C plug can also be typically known as the Euro plug.