Buying electricals online: UK plugs, voltage and safety marks explained

Last updated: 12 November 2026

Most electrical products sold to UK shoppers are made for UK sockets. But online listings reach across borders, and a product that looks identical in a photo may have been built for a different mains supply or fitted with a different plug. A few checks before you order, and a few more when the parcel arrives, deal with almost all of the risk.

Voltage and frequency

The UK mains supply is 230 volts (V) at a frequency of 50 hertz (Hz), the same as most of Europe. North America uses about 120 V at 60 Hz. Every mains product has a rating label, usually on the base, the back or the power adapter, that states the input it is designed for.

Frequency matters too: Electrical Safety First notes that an appliance on the wrong frequency may work, but not properly, giving the example of a clock running fast.

The UK plug: BS 1363

The UK plug has three rectangular pins and contains a cartridge fuse. Look for "BS 1363" marked on the plug and "BS 1362" on the fuse. Electrical Safety First explains that manufacturers have standardised on two fuse ratings: 3 A, used for items such as table lamps, televisions and computers, and 13 A, used for appliances rated between about 700 and 3,000 watts, such as kettles, toasters and washing machines. If you replace a fuse, use the same rating.

The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 require most household appliances supplied in the UK to be correctly fitted with a standard UK plug containing a fuse. The alternative the regulations allow is a non-UK plug enclosed in a conversion plug that can only be removed with a tool. A product that arrives with a two-pin plug and a loose travel adaptor in the box does not meet that description.

Adaptors, conversion plugs and transformers

• A travel adaptor changes the shape of the pins so that a plug fits the socket. It does not change the voltage, and Electrical Safety First says travel adaptors are not a suitable or safe alternative for permanent use at home.
• A conversion plug encloses a European two-pin plug and turns it into a fused UK plug. It is the form the 1994 regulations allow.
• A voltage converter or transformer changes the voltage. Electrical Safety First advises that some electronics, such as games consoles, televisions and computers, aren't suitable for use with converters, and recommends not bringing home electrical products bought outside the UK.

Safety marks: UKCA and CE

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking applies to products placed on the market in Great Britain. GOV.UK guidance confirms that the UK also continues to recognise the CE marking for the Great Britain market, so you will see either mark, or both. A mark is the manufacturer's declaration that the product meets the relevant safety requirements. It is necessary, but it isn't proof on its own: Electrical Safety First warns that a manufacturer's name, a model number and a UKCA or CE mark can all be faked by unscrupulous sellers. Treat the mark as one check among several.

Chargers and other small, high-risk items

Phone and laptop chargers convert mains voltage in a very small space, so quality of construction matters. Electrical Safety First's advice is to use a compatible charger from a reputable source and to get replacements from the original manufacturer or a reputable retailer. Its checks include:

• look for a manufacturer's name, a model number and a UKCA or CE mark, while remembering these can be copied;
• there should be at least 9.5 mm between the edge of the live and neutral pins and the edge of the charger;
• check the plug for scorch marks or loose pins;
• be wary of a charger that feels unusually light.

When charging, the charity advises against charging devices under pillows or on beds and sofas, and against leaving them charging while you are asleep or out. Unplug a charger immediately if you notice an odd smell, sparking, smoke or swelling.

A checklist before you buy

1. Who is the seller? Look for a business name and a way to contact it. On marketplaces, check who is actually selling the item.
2. Is the plug shown or stated? The listing should say UK plug, or show three rectangular pins.
3. What does the rating say? Look for 220–240 V or 100–240 V in the specification.
4. Is the model number given? You need it to compare prices, to find the manual and to check for recalls.
5. Has it been recalled? Search the model on GOV.UK. How to check if a product has been recalled in the UK shows how.

When it arrives

• Check the plug: three pins, marked BS 1363, with no cracks, and a cable firmly attached.
• Read the rating label on the product and compare it with the listing.
• Look for instructions in English and a UKCA or CE mark.
• Register larger appliances with the manufacturer so that you hear about any safety notice.
• If anything looks wrong, don't plug it in. Contact the seller.

Your rights if it isn't right

An electrical product that isn't safe to use on UK mains, or that isn't as described, falls short of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and you can reject it for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. Online orders can usually also be cancelled within 14 days for any reason. Your rights when you shop online in the UK sets out both.

At Bargain Catcher, check the plug type and voltage in the product details, and email sales@bargaincatcher.co.uk before ordering if a listing is unclear. Returns are free within 30 days of delivery for items that are unused and in their original packaging. Damaged, faulty or incorrect items are always covered: email us your order number and a photo and we will put it right. You will find electricals in Electronics & Tech, Home & Kitchen, Beauty & Personal Care and DIY & Tools. See also Measurement conversion charts for a voltage and plug table, Returns & refunds and FAQ.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. It describes the position for consumers in the UK on the date shown above; for advice about your own situation, contact Citizens Advice or a qualified adviser.

Sources

• Electrical Safety First: Plugs and fuses
• Electrical Safety First: Travel adaptors
• Electrical Safety First: Mobile phones and tablets
• Electrical Safety First: USB chargers
• legislation.gov.uk: The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994
• GOV.UK: Using the UKCA marking
• GOV.UK: Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls (Office for Product Safety and Standards)
• legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Rights Act 2015