Do electrical items from USA workin UK

lemontree

I am in Atlanta on holiday. If I buy a portable radio can I use it back home in England?
Thank you.

jd87

Probably not. The voltage and frequency of mains power is different in the USA. A lot of electrical items are made to work on either voltage, but I doubt a portable radio would be able to.

lemontree

Are there any bargains I should look for whilst I am here?

dmg24

If you know someone with a little electronics knowledge, they should be able to solve the problem described above!

Michelle99_2

You can buy a voltage adaptor. When I moved to the States I got a UK to US one for my stereo. It worked fine. I got one for about $20.

SimbaSimon

If its a portable radio can it run on batteries? If so your be fine.

If it requires mains power adapter you'll need a voltage converter to be able to use in the UK. I brought a set while I was over there and its basically like a bulky power adapter. Can't remember the price but think it was about £15-20. Depending on the price of the radio, this may outway the benefits of getting a cheaper price in the US.

cubegame

If you're buying an FM digital radio you should also take care to note if it can pick up UK frequencies as the range is slightly different.

malkie76

SimbaK2K wrote: »

If it requires mains power adapter you'll need a voltage converter to be able to use in the UK.

Not always. As others highlight many items will work across either voltage without having to buy any sort of additional hardware. Many items (including cheap ones) are mass produced in such a way to work in many countries, as it lowers manufacturing costs.

gedebage

It is not only the voltage of a country. The frequency may be different. For example in the UK we operate on the EU standard of 230 volts. We were 220, however appliances can operate even up to 240 volts. Getting back to the frequency. The UK operates on 50 hertz (Hz) meaning cycles per second.

The US is 110 volts and 60Hz

Australia 240v and 50hz

A clock or toaster set for 50hz may not function properly at 60hz.

As someone above pointed out some appliances will be set to work almost anywhere. I bought a microwave oven in Australia for my in-laws in The Philippines where they are on 110v- 60hz, and it works ok, although it is slower.

Hope this helps

Nordictat2

Hmmm I was thinking of buying PS3 from the US formy hubby for Christmas...would it work?

mikeandrach_2

no, voltage will be wrong and it wont work onmost english tv's