- Simple rules for Electrical Safety Abroad while visiting other countries than the UK;
- Questions and answers related to using the electrical appliances abroad.
- Can I use UK electrical appliances safely abroad?
- What are the travel adaptors?
- Which travel adaptor should I use?
- What are voltage converters/transformers?
- How can I tell if an appliance is dual voltage rated?
- Can I buy electrical appliances abroad and use them safely back in the UK?
- What countries use a different voltage / frequency than the UK one?
Using electricity safely while abroad(2) Questions and answers on using electrical appliances abroad from the UK

What are the travel adaptors?
A travel adaptor is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.
Which travel adaptor should I use?
Different countries use different electrical sockets. Before you travel you need to know the type of socket used in the country you are visiting so that you can take the correct adaptor with you. As there are over a dozen different styles of plugs and sockets used throughout the world, there are travel adaptors available that are designed for use in more than one country.
Some travel adaptors are not suitable for appliances that require an earth connection and should only be used with double insulated equipment. Double insulated appliances will be marked with a [] <double square> symbol. Before plugging an appliance into an adaptor check that it does not exceed the maximum power rating shown in AMPS or WATTS on the adaptor. For safety, all modern travel adaptors must meet BS 5733.
What are voltage converters/transformers?
In countries where the voltage is 100 - 127 v and the appliance, or its power supply, is not dual voltage rated, you will need to use a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly. Both voltage converters and transformers increase the voltage, but some ‘electronic’ appliances such as CD players, TV’s, radios, computers, etc are not suitable for use with converters. If unsure, check with the manufacturer. Also, converters should only be used for short periods of time (1 – 2 hours) where most transformers can be used continuously. Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor.
All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating. The diagram below shows the different voltages and frequencies used worldwide.
How can I tell if an appliance is dual voltage rated?
The appliance rating plate should show if the appliance, or its power supply, is dual voltage rated. It will say INPUT: 100 – 240V ~. Whilst some dual voltage appliances automatically adjust to the input voltage, some have a switch to manually select the correct voltage. If you are unsure about your appliance, always check with the manufacturer.
Can I buy electrical appliances abroad and use them safely back in the UK?
Due to the differences already explained in this guide, we would not recommend buying electrical appliances abroad for use back in the UK.