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In short: adapters are intended for short-term use – for continuous operation, device export or series devices, a country-specific power cable is usually the better and safer solution in practice.
Travel or universal adapters are useful for temporary use (travel/transition). Country-specific solutions are recommended for continuous operation or series devices.
Advantage in projects: A suitable power cord reduces queries in procurement, acceptance, customs/import and trade – especially for series devices.
Adapters "bridge" plug systems. For continuous operation, market requirements often demand a clearly country-specific design (plug standard, suitable design/test mark – depending on the target market).
Note: Specifications may vary depending on the target market and product category.
For the UK market (especially consumer/household), the following often applies in practice: Devices should be supplied with a UK plug (BS 1363) – or with an approved conversion plug that encloses the non-UK plug and can only be removed with tools. "Plug-in adapters" are more commonly used for travel/private or short-term use.
Brief recommendation: For continuous operation, export and series devices, UK power cables or screw-on/tool-removable adapters are the much cleaner solution. For travel/private use, plug-on adapters are a practical option – but are not intended as a "UK-compliant" standard solution for distribution.
Note: This information is for guidance only (not legal advice). Requirements may vary depending on the product category/target market.
A travel adapter serves as a temporary adjustment to the plug type. A country-specific power cord is a complete connection cable with a suitable plug/coupling that is designed for the target market (including standard market design/test mark depending on the target).
Type G (BS 1363) is usually fused (fuse in the plug). For distribution in the UK, a clean, country-specific solution is often expected in practice (UK power cord or an approved conversion plug that cannot be removed without tools).
An adapter is often practical for travel/transition, temporary commissioning or test setups. For permanent installations, export or series devices, a country-specific power cord is usually the better choice.
Target market (country), plug type on the device (e.g. C13/C19/C7), desired length, power requirements and type of use (travel vs. continuous operation/project/series).
Tip: For projects, "target market + plug type + power requirement + use (travel/continuous operation)" is the fastest and most reliable basis for making a decision.
We offer adapters as a travel/short-term solution. For industrial applications, export or continuous operation, we supply country-specific power cables and suitable, project-compatible designs.
Contact: info@mag.de – Support in selection according to target market, plug type and application (non-binding).
As of July 2025 – subject to change.
Can I use a power cord with an adapter set permanently?
Non-binding information – no legal advice B2B shop: mag-kabel.de Status: July 2025
1) Adapter or country-specific power cord?
Travel / short term / test operation
Adapter possible
Continuous operation / export / series production
Country-specific power cord
2) Why adapter sets are often unsuitable for continuous operation
EU: country-specific specifications/test marks UK: BS 1363 (type G, usually fused) USA/Canada: UL/CSA context (example)
3) Typical risks without a suitable design
Special case UK/England: Plug-in adapters vs. screw-in/tool-removable adapters
Facts & terms – briefly explained
What is the difference between a travel adapter and a country-specific power cord?
Why is the UK plug (type G) a special case?
When is an adapter still useful?
What do I need so that we can quickly find the right product for you?
MAG GmbH: the right solution for your target market
International power cables (overview) Travel adapters (international) Power adapters (IEC/UPS/Schuko etc.) Contact