Electrical Safety When Travelling

Electrical safety standards in the UK are pretty robust and are built around the voltage of electricity available in this country. However abroad you’ll find that voltage varies depending on which country you visit. In order to stay safe and enjoy your time away, we’ve drawn up some pointers on how you can stay safe with electrical appliances wherever you go in the world.

Plugs, sockets and what you can use abroad.

Plugs and sockets will be different from the ones you’d use here in the UK, but what you may not have considered is that electric supplies can vary in power, from anything up to 240 volts. If you’ve bought your own equipment to use abroad you may find it won’t work as well with a different voltage, in fact, it could be quite dangerous. It’s important therefore to always check first.

If you’re in a country where the voltage is higher than it is in the UK, if you have an accident it could be a lot worse - perhaps even resulting in death. It’s important therefore to make sure you’re extra careful. 

No wet hands, no forcing plugs into sockets and checking for RCDs.

Make sure you never go near a plug when your hands are wet. Never plug in to a damaged socket or use a damaged plug, and if there are any sockets in a bathroom don’t use them, err on the side of caution. 

You’ll probably use a travel adaptor, but before you make your purchase make sure it’s suitable for the country you’re visiting. Whatever you do, never force it into the socket, that’s an accident waiting to happen.

Smell burning?

Don’t use your appliances or the sockets, any signs of scorching then stop using. Also listen out for sounds such as a crackling noise or buzzing. See if there’s an RCD which stands for Residual Current Device which will cut the power should there be an electrical surge, helping to avoid electrical fires and serious injuries.

Always research the country you’re going to visit so you have the right adaptors, appliances and equipment before you go. You may also need voltage converters as well as adaptors, so check this out. 

So is it even worth taking UK appliances abroad?

Yes it is, but always do your research first. Check the sockets, voltage and the frequency of power supply in the country you’re going to visit and you should be safe. 

Travel adaptors.

Travel adaptors allow you to use UK electrical appliances by providing a plug extension so it’s designed to fit into a different type of electrical socket, like a two prong rather than a three that we have here. 

You may be able to get one that can be used in more than one country which is going to come in handy the next time you travel. A double insulated one is good and should have a symbol to prove that it is. Any travel adapter you use abroad should come with the BS (British Standard) kitemark BS 5733, this proves it’s safe to use.

Voltage converters, what do they do and when is it safe to use them?

Voltage converters help convert the voltage so it works with the appliance safely. Not all appliances are safe to use with voltage converters, but their job essentially is to increase the voltage where necessary. If in doubt as to which voltage converters can be used with which appliances, check first the manufacturer's instructions so as to avoid accidents.

VC Electrical for all your electrical jobs, both simple and complex.

If you have any questions about what we’ve talked about the you can contact us, we’re always here to help, and if you think you have an electrical job we may be able to help you with, let us know and we can talk you through our processes.