The United Kingdom power converters

What does a power converter for a UK power outlet do?

Power converters enable you to use a 100-120 volt electric appliance with a 230 volt UK power outlet.

Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your appliance to fit into a power outlet in The United Kingdom, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter transforms a 230 volt UK power outlet to work with a non-230 volt appliance. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for The United Kingdom?

When visiting The United Kingdom from another country check your device can be charged using a 230 volt power supply.

  • A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance is incompatible with 230 volts. See our WikiConnections world power outlets guide to find out the voltage your country uses.
  • You won't need a power converter if you already use either a single voltage device that works with 230 volts or one that supports dual voltage.
  • Typically, devices designed to work with a lower voltage (such as 110 volts) and used with 230 volts run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your device or even an electrical fire hazard.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you wish to power a smaller electrical device such as a tablet or cell phone as these are typically designed for international use and dual voltage, but you should always always check the device for dual voltage support first.
  • If supplying power to high wattage appliances or generate heat (such as clothes irons and hair straighteners) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter.
  • Investing a smaller robust dual voltage travel appliance could be more practical and cost effective than investing in a heavier high wattage power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • Read these comprehensive guides on travelling with curling irons, clothes irons, flat irons and hairdryers with UK power outlets , along with guides for some affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

What converter do I need for The United Kingdom?

In order to use any 100, 110 or 120 volt appliance in The United Kingdom you will need to buy a step down power converter[3] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power transformer?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power transformer?

Converters and transformers are both used to change one voltage to another, but this ambiguity can cause confusion as their purposes are different:

  • Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Transformers are designed for more complex electronic items such as televisions or games consoles.
  • Buying a power converter is cheaper than buying a power transformer.
  • Power transformers are larger and heavier making them more suited for permanent residential use; for example an expat wishing to use an imported television would need to use a transformer for this purpose.
  • Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons. However, it is more practical and cost effective to purchase a dual voltage appliance designed for travel rather than a heavier power converter.
  • Power converters are suitable for 2 pin ungrounded appliances, it could be harder to find a converter if you want to use a grounded 3 pin appliance.
  • Transformers can be used constantly however it is recommended that converters are used for no longer than a couple of hours at a time.
  • Shops may sell transformers under the name of converters, for the purposes this guide we will be referring to both converters and transformers as converters.

How to convert 230 volts to 110 volts

  1. Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 230 volt UK power outlet.
  2. If the power converter doesn't include the correct shaped plug then it will also be necessary to plug in the power cord from the power converter into a power adapter for The United Kingdom before plugging that into a UK power outlet.
  3. Some power converters include the ability to perform both step up and step down voltage conversions, therefore it may be necessary to manually switch the converter to output the voltage to the 110-120 volt range.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 230 volt UK power outlet. [3] [AD]

What voltage is used in The United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom uses 230 volts in their power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
What voltage is my appliance?

Single voltage hair straighteners

What voltage is my appliance?

One way to tell if a appliance is single or dual voltage is to check for a sticker on the charger, or on the unit itself, typically on the rear of the appliance or near to where the power cord plugs into. The location might depend on the make or model of your unit and should also state on the box.

  • Single voltage devices might have a specific number - such as 240V.
  • Single voltage devices might also say a small voltage range (20 volts difference) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 220-240V.
  • Dual voltage devices will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.

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  1. Wikipedia - UK Wikipedia web page.
  2. iec.ch - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
  3. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  4. Heavy duty power converter - Heavy-duty power converters robust voltage transformation capabilities for designed for high-wattage devices, making them best suited for appliances like kettles and hair dryers that consume a significant amounts of power..