What is the difference between UK electricity and eu electricity supply?

Answer 1

UK and European electricity supplies now conform to a single standard of 230VAC at 50Hz. This is a recent change from the UK voltage of 240VAC and mainland Europe of 220VAC.

Mains outlets are different. The UK uses a square, three pin plug that has a fuse built into the plug body. The fuse is normally 3, 5, 10 or 13A. Mainland Europe uses a round, two pin plug with the earth pin either protruding from the socket or two blades that connect with the outside of the plug. European plugs are not fused. Adaptors are freely available to convert between European and UK connections.

Although this is a Europe wide standard, some of the more remote and rural countries have less than perfect supplies. In some of the Eastern Block countries, voltages have been known to drop to under 160VAC at times. While many electrical devices will operate at the reduced voltages, others will fail as the voltage drops. For travellers who are visiting some of the far reaches of Europe, it might be worth checking the typical voltages before assuming that equipment will operate.

CommentThe so-called 'change' from a nominal voltage of 240 V to '230 V' is simply a paper exercise, to satisfy the EU's obsession with standardisation. In practice, there has been no change whatsoever to the actual nominal voltage. The original standard specified 240 V +/- 6%, and this remains the current situation. However, the new standard 'specifies' 230 V +10%/-6% and, although this appears throughout the new Wiring Regulations simply to comply with the EU requirement. Once again, a completely wasteful exercise hoisted on the UK by the EU!