Can you use 220v in UK?

Answer 1

Yes, 220v is the "standard" wall-voltage in Europe.

Your stuff should work in the UK, If:

(1) Your appliance is rated for 220 volts.

(2) You have the correct plug adapter, since British plugs are not even remotely similar to US plugs.

Answer 2

Of course you can use an 120V 60Hz appliance in the UK, but you might have a hard time finding a place to plug it in. The UK uses 220V 50Hz mains, and if you can manage to plug in your whatever, it may die as twice it's voltage required is applied.

Some items may be ok. My cell phone charger says 100/240V 50/60Hz. The AC adapter for my laptop and my computer & monitor have 110/240 50/60HZ markings. Any item you have with these kind of ratings will only need an adapter so you can plug it in - they do not require converters (that step the voltage down to 110V).

Check the label, especially of newer electronics - many can handle 100 to 220V (much of Japan is 100V 60Hz).

Other than that, you'll need a transformer to drop the voltage to 110V.

When purchasing a transformer to change the voltage from 220 to 110, make sure you get one that can handle the current rating of the device you're going to use it for. A device that draws 100 watts will need a transformer that can 100 watts, but it is better to buy one that can handle more than the device. It you use a transformer with a capacity of 100 watts for a 100 watt device you'd be using it at it's full capacity - it may get hot and won't last as long. Buy a transformer with at least 1½ times the wattage rating you need.

Answer 3

The statutory nominal ('named') voltage for the UK is 230 V. But it is allowed to vary between +10% and -6% of its nominal value. So the actual voltage can vary from 253 V down to 216 V.

Answer 4

You cannot use a 220v appliance to a 120v outlet.

Answer 5

As long as the appliance is of a resistive load it can be used on the UK voltage. If the appliance has a motor in its design then it is not recommended.