Everything that matters, at a glance.
Pin layout, voltage, amperage, dimensions — the technical details for Type G in one tidy table.
Type G was introduced in 1947 after World War II when Britain needed to rewire the country with limited copper supplies. Engineer John Taylor designed the plug to include a fuse in each device, distributing protection throughout the system rather than relying solely on central fusing. This was ingenious: it meant thinner, cheaper ring circuit wiring could be safely used, saving scarce post-war copper. The BS 1363 standard was officially adopted in 1947 and has remained the UK's national plug standard ever since. Former British colonies in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa adopted the same standard and continue using it today.
Type G is considered the safest plug design worldwide. Every plug contains a built-in fuse rated at 3A (for low-power devices like lamps) or 13A (for high-power appliances like kettles). The insulated sleeves on the live and neutral pins prevent accidental finger contact during insertion. Safety shutters on every socket only open when the longer earth pin is pushed in first, keeping children safe from poking objects into live contacts. The sturdy rectangular pin and housing design resists damage from drops or rough handling.
Type G outlets only accept Type G plugs. No other plug type fits without an adapter, thanks to the safety shutters that require the earth pin to unlock them. Universal travel adapters that include Type G output are essential for visitors. Many hotels in UK-plug countries provide shaver-only sockets (BS 4573) in bathrooms that accept Type C two-pin plugs for electric razors and toothbrush chargers only.
46 countries use Type G.
Mostly across United Kingdom and Ireland. Click any country for the full guide — voltage, adapters, and travel essentials for that destination.
Routes to and from Type G countries.
Country-to-country adapter guides for the most common trips involving Type G destinations.
Other plug types worth a look.
Neighboring plug types — same region, related shapes, or shared voltage zone. Useful when your trip has multiple stops.
Adapters travelers actually pack for Type G.
Three picks tested against Type G outlets — universal options that also work in 150+ other countries.
Type A/B to Type G adapter. Works in UK, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE.
Type G adapter with USB-C PD fast charging. Great for phones & laptops.
Type C/F to Type G adapter. Works in UK, Ireland, Singapore.
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Will my devices work? Run the check.
Type G runs at 220-240V, 50Hz. See exactly which of your devices plug in safely and which need a converter.
Every plug type, in one place. All 15.
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Side-by-side database with shape, voltage, countries.
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The 30-second test that tells you which devices need which.
How the world ended up split between 110V and 240V.
Tested picks from universal kits to single-route adapters.
110V vs 230V and what it means for your devices.
What is the Type G plug?+
Type G is the British standard plug with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern. Used in the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and 50+ countries, it is widely considered the safest plug design in the world. Every Type G plug contains a built-in fuse (typically 3A or 13A), and the sockets feature safety shutters that only open when the longer earth pin is inserted first.
Which countries use Type G?+
Type G is used in United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong and across United Kingdom, Ireland, Middle East. See the full list below.
Is the Type G plug grounded?+
Yes. Type G has a dedicated grounding pin for safe operation with appliances that require an earth connection.
Do I need a voltage converter for Type G countries?+
Type G countries operate at 220-240V, 50Hz. Modern dual-voltage electronics (phones, laptops, cameras labelled "100-240V") work everywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone need a converter.
Can I use my iPhone or laptop charger with Type G?+
Yes. Apple chargers and most laptop power supplies are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Type G countries with just a plug adapter — no converter needed.
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