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Electrical outlets Inn hotel

Is it necessary to buy outlets for the trip. Something about their Outlets are different than American Outlets. Can you let me know before I go shopping that maybe it's not necessary. Thanks

Posted by
11608 posts

Ues, other countries have outlets different than the US. The UK has one type and Continental Europe another type. Buy plug adaptors in Rick Steve's online store or at any luggage dept ina major store. I carry several wherever I go as I charge several electronics.

Posted by
1221 posts

We actually found our universal plug adaptor set in the 'small household items' aisle of our local grocery store. Previous set came from Target. Necessary and relatively cheap.

Posted by
5837 posts

I recall seeing "Shaver Only" outlets with receptacles for two flat North American type blades and marked 115v or 120 v but have not tested these bathroom outlets with any electronic devices. The "Shaver Only" outlets are apparently fused for low amperage/wattage use in wet areas.

Posted by
1540 posts

Found in UK they mostly have the 3 prong type plug - you may be able to borrow one from the front desk at the hotel. I bought mine in US at Walmart for less than 4 dollars.

Posted by
33995 posts

and the voltage is twice the voltage in North America. This isn't changed by plug adapters.

You need to check the rating plates on everything you plan on plugging in and make sure that it suitable without a heavy converter. You don't to blow out your device and/or short circuit the building. Your landlord wouldn't be happy, especially if there is a fire.

No need to bring hair dryers - virtually all hotels, B&B's and many apartments provide them.

Posted by
33995 posts

Those shaver only outlets are just that. The 110 is usually electronically reduced and is usually a pretty rough job and not suitable for anything electronic. Electricity and bathrooms don't mix in the UK which is why you never find any normal plugs there. Don't try to skirt the laws by using those shaver plugs for anything other than what they were designed for.

Posted by
5495 posts

OP, yes, the outlets in England are different than those in the US. And the Outlets in Europe are different than England and the US. Plus, their voltage is different. Get the necessary plug adaptors at any store that sells travel products. Walmart or Target should gave them. Check all of your electronics to see if they are dual voltage. It should show a range of 110-240v (or similar). If so, then you are OK. If the appliance only says 110-120v, then leave it at home. Trying to use it in England or Europe will fry the appliance and possibly start a fire.

Posted by
4088 posts

Plenty of plug adapters are available on-line at vendors such as Amazon and eBay. There are also plenty of different prices. Seemingly clever gizmos promise to handle all outlets, usually with extra prongs that fold out to fit various three-prong configurations. The third prong is a ground, familiar enough in North America. If the device is cheap, however, that third leg may be plastic which of course is useless as a ground. This only matters in the rare case of an emergency surge but for a few dollars more you can be safe rather than sorry.

Posted by
14822 posts

You’re leaving today, right?

In London there is a pharmacy chain called Boots. I was just in one today and they have all kinds of plug adapters. Or borrow from your hotel.

I moved today from a small family hotel to a large American chain hotel and they helpfully have adapters in the room.

Posted by
1221 posts

An airport with daily international flights is going to have a shop with them, though at the usual inflated airport prices.

Posted by
32363 posts

To begin with, I'd like to reiterate the comments that others have made about checking each appliance you'll be travelling with to ensure that it's designed for operation on 220 VAC electrical systems.

If you'll also be travelling on the continent, you'll need different Plug Adaptors for that part of your trip, as they're different than those used in the U.K. You may encounter this type of outlet, which has separate switches for each outlet.....

http://internationalconfig.com/icc6.asp?item=72320-DP

When buying UK Plug Adaptors, it's important to buy an approved model which has shutters on the hot and neutral pins and is fused. AFAIK, this model is approved......

https://www.amazon.ca/Swiss-Gear-Grounded-Hongkong-Singapore/dp/B004MKMHJ6

The model shown has a bit of a steep price but you should be able to find less expensive models.