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There are various solutions available for connecting European devices to a Type G socket: plug-in travel and mains adaptors, fixed-installation adaptors, specialised conversion plug solutions or complete country-specific power cables.
Which solution can be used depends not only on whether the adapter fits mechanically into the socket. The destination country, intended use, existing appliance plug, earth conductor, current-carrying capacity, fuse and the approval status of the specific product must all be considered together.
The term ‘UK adapter’ does not in itself indicate which European plug it is compatible with. In particular, Euro plugs, CEE 7/17 profile plugs and earthed plugs differ technically and must not be treated as equivalent when selecting an adapter.
This type of adapter features a CEE 7/3 earthed socket and a Type G mains plug.
It is suitable for compatible appliances where the protective earth must be carried through the adapter connection.
Whether it may be used in a specific country as a travel adapter, a professional adapter solution or in conjunction with a device available there must be checked separately.
Compact adaptors with sockets for a 2.5 A Euro plug and a Type G mains plug are available for suitable two-pin appliances that do not require an earth conductor.
This distinction is particularly important for Singapore and Hong Kong, as the plug type and appliance protection class may be subject to regulatory requirements there.
With this design, a suitable CEE 7/17 moulded plug is inserted into the adapter housing, the housing is closed and then secured with screws.
This results in a tool-fixed connection that is significantly more durable than that of a simple plug-in adapter.
Important: The screw connection alone does not prove that the specific item is approved as a conversion plug in accordance with a particular national standard.
Is fitted onto an existing appliance plug without a permanent connection and can subsequently be easily removed again.
Typical applications: travel, hotels, business trips, servicing, trade fairs, demonstrations or temporary test operations.
The existing plug is inserted into an adapter housing and, for example, secured with screws.
This design creates a more permanent connection. Whether it can be recognised as a conversion plug for regulatory purposes depends on the specific design, testing and approval.
In certain markets, the term ‘conversion plug’ refers to a product type defined by standards and not simply any adapter secured with screws.
For example, in the UK, there is a specific standard for fused conversion plugs: BS 1363-5.
The intended use often differs right from the procurement stage. The requirements for a single trip are different from those for a mass-produced device, a roll-out or an export project.
For holidays, business trips and one-off requirements, private customers can find suitable DINIC adaptors for the UK directly in the DINIC Shop.
Before use, the plug type, current rating and the device’s suitability for the mains voltage and frequency of the destination country must be checked.
For B2B projects, the destination country, intended use and required market compliance should be determined before selecting the adapter.
For mass-produced devices and those used on a permanent basis, a country-specific mains cable is often the clearer and more easily documented solution.
The UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and other markets use Type G or BS 1363-based plug systems.
However, the plug type alone does not determine which standard, approval or adapter design is required in the respective target market.
The following overview highlights the key differences for technical pre-selection. It deliberately distinguishes between temporary user application and the provision or distribution of a device in the destination market.
| Destination country | Plug-in adaptor / travel | Device provision / integrated solution | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Great Britain / UK
|
Temporarily possible
Travel adaptors are intended for the temporary connection of electrical appliances. BS 8546 is particularly relevant for UK-compatible travel adaptors. |
Conversion plug possible
For a suitable appliance with a non-UK plug that is supplied for the UK market, a correctly fitted, compatible conversion plug is a possible solution. |
A travel adaptor supplied separately does not automatically replace the required connection solution for a device intended for the UK market. BS 1363-5 applies to current fused conversion plugs. |
 Ireland
|
Type G system
For temporary applications, a suitable Type G adapter may be a technically viable option. |
Check separately
For device distribution and series production, Irish product and connection requirements must be checked separately. |
A UK approval should not be automatically applied to Ireland without verification. |
 Hong Kong
|
Local regulations
An adapter connecting a foreign device to a Hong Kong Type G socket is subject to the local safety requirements. |
Special adaptors may be possible
For certain suitable Class II appliances with a 2-pin plug, a suitable special adaptor may be fitted prior to supply. |
The Hong Kong guidance describes, amongst other things, a secured adapter solution that can only be removed with a tool. BS 1363 Part 3 applies to 13-A adapters. |
 Singapore
|
Plug type is decisive
For suitable 2.5 A two-pin plugs / Type C, the authority specifies suitable adapters, such as fused conversion plugs. |
Do not use Schuko plugs indiscriminately
10/16 A Schuko plugs are expressly deemed unsuitable for use on the local mains supply in Singapore. |
Corresponding 13 A and 15 A mains plugs are Controlled Goods. Local requirements, including the SAFETY Mark, must be observed. |
 Malaysia
|
Regulated product type
Travel adaptors are explicitly listed in Malaysia as a separate regulated category of adaptors. |
Integrated adaptors separately
Integrated adaptors also constitute a separate regulated product type with their own regulatory framework. |
For regulated electrical products, the Malaysian CoA and ST-SIRIM requirements are particularly relevant. |
 Malta
|
Type G system
A technically suitable adaptor may be considered for temporary use. |
Check on a project-by-project basis
For mass-produced devices or regular distribution, check the specific product requirements. |
Do not equate Type G compatibility with a universal UK approval. |
 Cyprus
|
Type G system
A Type G adapter may be technically suitable for appropriate temporary applications. |
Check market requirements
For regular supply, the requirements of the specific product design must be taken into account. |
Do not base a decision on market suitability solely on the socket geometry. |
 Saudi Arabia
|
Do not generalise UK
A Type G solution that fits mechanically is not automatically a suitable adapter design for Saudi Arabia. |
Check for Saudi compliance
For professional deployment, the Saudi requirements for the specific product are decisive. |
The Type G system is based on British standards but has its own SASO requirements. |
This overview is intended for technical pre-selection and does not constitute a blanket assessment of market approval for a specific item. The current requirements of the target market, as well as the testing and documentation of the specific product design, are decisive.
The UK distinguishes between a travel adaptor for temporary use and a connection solution for an electrical appliance that is regularly supplied for the UK market.
Suitable UK travel adaptors may be used for travel and other temporary applications.
BS 8546 is particularly relevant for UK-compatible travel adaptors.
For a suitable appliance with a non-UK plug, a correctly fitted and compatible conversion plug may provide a possible connection solution.
The product, adapter and fuse must be compatible with one another.
If the device has a replaceable IEC connector, a complete UK mains lead is often the clearest solution for standard devices.
Hong Kong uses a BS 1363-based Type G system, but has its own requirements for electrical products and adaptors.
For certain Class II appliances with a suitable two-pin plug, a suitable special adapter may be fitted prior to supply.
In the case of a Class I appliance, the protective conductor continuity must be fully maintained from the appliance to the mains supply.
Singapore uses a fused three-pin Type G mains plug for many appliances. However, the product safety regulations expressly distinguish between different European plugs.
For suitable 2.5 A two-pin plugs, the authority lists compatible adaptors as a possible connection solution.
Fused conversion plugs are cited as an example.
10/16 A Schuko plugs are classified as mains plugs unsuitable for use in Singapore.
Therefore, a Schuko-to-Type-G adapter should not be advertised as a universal solution for Singapore.
The relevant 13 A and 15 A mains plugs are classified as regulated product groups in Singapore.
Local requirements, including the SAFETY Mark, must be observed.
Malaysia already distinguishes between different adapter designs in its regulations. Therefore, a British adapter must not automatically be classified as a Malaysian version solely on the basis of its Type G plug shape.
Travel adaptors are listed in Malaysia as a separate regulated category of electrical products.
Integrated adaptors are classified separately and have their own regulatory framework.
They must therefore not automatically be equated with a British conversion plug.
For relevant regulated electrical products, the Malaysian CoA and ST-SIRIM requirements must be taken into account.
Saudi Arabia uses a Type G or BS 1363-based plug system. However, Saudi standards have their own requirements and national variations.
| Application | Typical solution | What to look out for? |
|---|---|---|
| Private travel to the UK | Suitable plug-in travel adaptor | Check the plug type, current rating and suitability for your devices. |
| Business trip / hotel | Plug-in UK adapter | Select an adapter model intended for temporary use. |
| Trade fair / Service / Testing | Professional plug adapter | Take into account the earth conductor, current-carrying capacity and adapter orientation. |
| Device for the standard UK market | UK mains cable or suitable conversion plug solution | Do not confuse a loose travel adaptor with a conversion solution suitable for the local market. |
| Suitable Class II appliance for Hong Kong | A suitable specialised adapter may be available | Observe Hong Kong’s requirements regarding adaptors, fuses and connections. |
| 2.5 A Euro plug for Singapore | Check for a suitable fused adapter solution | Take into account the specific item’s compliance with Singaporean standards. |
| Schuko appliance for Singapore | No one-size-fits-all Schuko-to-UK solution | Select a connection solution suitable for the target market. |
| Adapter for sale in Malaysia | Malaysia-compliant adapter design | Check adapter category, CoA and ST-SIRIM. |
| Standard device with IEC connector | Country-specific mains lead | Often the clearest and most easily documented B2B solution. |
DINIC offers a range of solutions, from compact plug-in adaptors and mountable adaptor solutions to complete Type G power cables for professional applications.
A detailed overview of which countries use Type G plugs and why, for example, BS 1363, ASTA, BSI, SASO and the Singapore SAFETY Mark must not be treated as equivalent can be found in the MAG Guide Type G Plug (BS 1363): Countries, Standards and Approvals.
You can find further international plug systems under Mains plugs worldwide – plug types, mains voltage and approvals .
If you are still unsure whether you need an adapter or a complete power lead, the guide ‘Power Lead or Adapter?’ may also be of help.
Plug-on adaptors are not generally prohibited. They may be intended specifically for travel and other temporary uses. The key factors are product safety, intended use and the requirements of the respective destination country.
A loose travel adapter supplied with a device does not automatically replace a UK connection solution that complies with market requirements. Depending on the device, options may include, for example, a suitable UK plug, a UK power cable or a suitable conversion plug.
No. The screw connection merely indicates a tool-dependent joint. Whether the specific design meets the requirements for a conversion plug must be demonstrated on the basis of its product testing and documentation.
BS 8546 is particularly relevant for travel adaptors compatible with the UK plug system and intended for temporary use.
BS 1363-5 applies to current fused conversion plugs. Whether a specific adapter meets these requirements must be evident from its technical documentation.
For certain suitable Class II products with a two-pin plug, a suitable special adapter may be fitted prior to use. Hong Kong safety requirements must be complied with in this regard.
The Hong Kong Guidance describes, amongst other things, a special adapter solution in which the two-pin plug cannot be removed without tools and a suitable safety device is integrated.
For suitable 2.5 A two-pin plugs, the Singaporean product safety authority lists suitable adaptors, such as fused conversion plugs, as a possible connection solution.
This should not be recommended as a general rule. 10/16 A Schuko plugs are not considered suitable mains plugs for local use in Singapore.
Travel adaptors are a strictly regulated product category in Malaysia. The applicable approval and labelling requirements must be observed for their import and distribution.
Malaysia classifies integrated adaptors as a separate, regulated category of adaptor with its own regulatory framework. They should therefore not automatically be equated with a British conversion plug.
For such regulated electrical products, the Malaysian approval and labelling requirements must be observed. These may include, in particular, a Certificate of Approval and ST-SIRIM marking.
No. Although Saudi Arabia uses a Type G or BS 1363-based system, it has its own SASO requirements. The conformity of the specific product must be assessed separately.
For mass-produced equipment, continuous operation, roll-outs and repeat procurement, a country-specific power cable is often the clearer solution. This allows the mains plug, fuse, cable, device connection and approval to be specified as a complete connection cable.
Private customers and travellers can find suitable DINIC adaptors for the UK directly in the DINIC Shop. MAG-kabel.de is aimed specifically at commercial customers and professional projects.