Defusing the UK’s Fused Plug Law

England has its share of hoity-toity rules, like saying “excuse me” when bumping into some one and driving on the left side of the road. You’re also not supposed to ask a lady her age or initiate the first toast at a dinner party unless you’re the host but it’s okay to stick your pinky out when drinking tea.

There’s another that’s actually not so hoity toity: did you know you can’t plug an appliance into the wall outlet in England and the rest of the United Kingdom (Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) unless there’s a 3-amp fuse somewhere between the AC and the appliance. This is required by law (BS 1363) and it’s actually a good safety measure, one that prevents against wattage overload and a resultant fire.

The specific plug required for use in the UK is the BS 1363; it’s a Type G-shaped plug—common to many countries throughout the world—but inside there’s a 3-amp fuse. Of course, this plug will work in any country where the Type G-shape is common, particularly Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, India, and many other regions.

ACUPWR’s AD step down transformers convert AC from 220-240 volts down to 110-120 volts, and they're available with a British BS 1363 Type G plug. 

In the end, the BS 1363 plug is a safety rule worth sticking to.