Just don’t forget to flick on the switch on the outlet first! Questions? Throw them in the comments! You will now never be without sweet electricity on your trip to Scotland. Purchase UK outlet adapters for both grounded and non-grounded plugs.If necessary, purchase a voltage converter (for those devices that only accept 110v/120v).Gather together the devices you intend to bring.It’s as simple (and complicated) as that. It seems obvious, but I made this mistake on a recent trip to Switzerland. You can’t see it in the photo below, but the beige adapter accepts three-pronged plugs and the blue one does not. Important note: If you have any grounded, three-prong plugs, be sure to purchase an adapter that accepts three-pronged plugs. Just think of all the things you might need to charge: Laptop, phone, iPad, kindle, camera batteries, etc. The number of adapters you want to bring depends on the number of devices you have, but trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to be fighting with your significant other for charging time. The backsides of these adapters fit just about every other plug configuration on the planet. As you can see in the pictures of UK adapters below, the adapters you need to use in Scotland have three massive, rectangular prongs spaced fairly far apart. Everyone is different from everyone, really. ![]() Outlet sockets in Scotland and the UK are different from the rest of the world. If any list only 110v/120v, then you need to bring a converter.Īdapters are the other main concern. The key here is to check all your devices to see what voltages they accept. do not require a voltage converter, and truthfully I can’t remember the last time I brought one on a trip. These days, most devices like laptops, smartphones, surfaces, etc. The converter steps down the voltage to the lower American voltage of 110v/120v. In this situation, you need an adapter AND a voltage converter (pictured below). If you tried plugging those into Scottish outlets you’d risk frying the device. Voltage converter? Some older devices and appliances like hair dryers and curling irons may only accept 120v. This means you can plug it into Scottish outlets with just an adapter (see below). For example, though it’s a bit hard to see, the iPhone plug below lists the input as 100-240v. You need to ensure that your device can handle the higher voltage in Scotland. ![]() What does this mean for travelers? Every device that can be charged via outlets is built to accept a certain voltage range. The United States’ more archaic system is simply the cost of being a pioneer. The higher voltage in Scotland and other places is the result of a more modern electrical infrastructure that provides greater flexibility and nominally better energy efficiency. In the United States, however, our outlets are calibrated for 120v. ![]() In most of the world (including Scotland), outlets are calibrated to 220v-240v. Voltage is the “power” of the electricity coming through the outlet to devices. There are two main areas you need to consider when ensuring your devices will work in other countries: Voltage and outlet adapters. ![]() This is far from the sexiest thing to write about, but, since I can’t seem to travel without lugging around at least four devices, getting it wrong hurts. I’ve tackled Scotland’s incredible right-to-roam policy and renting a car, and today I continue this so-called “ Know Before You Go” series with another practical topic: Voltage, adapters, and things electrical. In the last month I’ve written a couple of posts aimed at preparing first-time travelers to Scotland for a wonderful trip.
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