Using UK Appliances in Canada: Voltage, Plugs & Adapters

Canada and the UK use completely different electrical systems. UK appliances run on 230 volts at 50 hertz with three-pin Type G plugs. Canada runs on 120 volts at 60 hertz with two-pin Type A or grounded Type B plugs. The difference is not minor and you cannot fix all of it with a travel adapter.

This guide explains exactly what works, what does not, and what is genuinely worth shipping versus replacing on arrival.

The voltage problem in plain English

Canadian sockets supply roughly half the voltage of UK sockets. Plug a 230V UK kettle into a 120V Canadian socket and one of two things happens: either it runs at half power and takes forever to boil, or (more often) the heating element burns out within minutes.

Going the other way is worse. If you ever get a Canadian appliance back to the UK and plug it in, you double its voltage. Most North American appliances will produce a small fireworks display.

The frequency difference (50 vs 60 hertz) matters less for most modern electronics, but it does affect anything with a motor that runs at a fixed speed: clocks, turntables, some older washing machines, electric clocks in cookers.

What is dual-voltage and how do I check?

A lot of modern electronics are dual-voltage, meaning they automatically handle anywhere from 100V to 240V. This is the magic phrase to look for on the rating label, usually a small panel near the power lead. If you see ‘100 to 240V’ or ‘100 to 240V, 50/60 Hz’, the appliance will work in Canada with just a plug adapter.

Things that are usually dual-voltage:

• Phone chargers and laptop chargers (almost always).
• Camera and tablet chargers (almost always).
• Electric shavers and toothbrushes (usually).
• Travel hairdryers (some).

Things that are almost never dual-voltage:

• Kettles (UK kettles run too hot for Canadian wiring).
• Toasters (same issue).
• Most hairdryers.
• Microwaves and ovens.
• Washing machines and tumble dryers.
• Vacuum cleaners (most older models).
• Hi-fi systems and stereo amplifiers.

Ship it or replace it: a quick reference

Step-up transformers: when do they make sense?

If you are determined to keep a specific UK appliance, you can buy a step-up transformer (sometimes called a voltage converter) that takes Canadian 120V and converts it to 240V. They cost CAD $40 for small electronics, up to CAD $300 for high-wattage appliances.

Transformers make sense for:

• A specific antique or heirloom appliance with sentimental value.
• Specialist hi-fi equipment or studio gear that is hard to replace.
• Power tools used occasionally in a home workshop.

Transformers do not make sense for:

• Anything you use daily (kettle, toaster). The hassle of running a transformer for everyday items outweighs the cost of just replacing them.
• High-wattage appliances (over 1500W). Transformers that handle that load are expensive and bulky.
• Anything with a motor running on 50 Hz where speed matters (some clocks, certain washing machines).

Plug adapters: which ones to buy

Even with dual-voltage appliances, you still need a plug adapter to physically fit your UK three-pin plug into a Canadian socket. Canada uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two pins plus a grounding pin).

• UK to Type B adapter: the safer choice for any appliance with a metal casing or earthed plug. Look for CSA or UL certification on the packaging.
• UK to Type A adapter: fine for double-insulated appliances (chargers, lamps, electronics).
• Avoid no-brand bulk adapters from online marketplaces. Pay CAD $15 to $25 for a properly certified one.
• Buy at least one per room you will use them in. They are easy to lose.

Should you ship your appliances at all?

Five practical tips before you ship

1. Walk every room of your UK home and check rating labels on every appliance. Keep a list.
2. Sell or donate UK kettles, toasters, hairdryers and microwaves before you move. They have no resale value in Canada.
3. If you are bringing electronics, photograph the rating labels for insurance purposes.
4. Order at least four UK to Type B plug adapters from a Canadian retailer (Amazon.ca, Canadian Tire, Home Depot) to be delivered on or just after arrival.
5. If shipping a partial household, Anglo Pacific’s shared container service is significantly cheaper than a full 20ft container for fewer items. See our pricing page for details.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do UK plugs work in Canada?

No. UK plugs are Type G (three rectangular pins) and do not physically fit Canadian Type A or Type B sockets. You need a plug adapter to change the shape, and a step-up transformer if the appliance is not dual-voltage.

2. Will my UK laptop charger work in Canada?

Almost certainly yes. Most laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100 to 240V, 50/60 Hz) and only need a plug adapter to fit Canadian sockets. Check the rating label on the charger to confirm.

3. Can I use my UK kettle with a transformer in Canada?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. A 3kW UK kettle requires a transformer rated for at least 3,000 watts, which is bulky and expensive. Most UK movers replace their kettle on arrival; Canadian kettles cost CAD $40 to $80.

4. What about my UK PlayStation or Xbox?

Both PS5 and Xbox Series X have built-in dual-voltage power supplies, so they will work in Canada with only a plug adapter. Some older consoles have region-locked games or accessories, so check before relying on this for older hardware.

5. Do I need to worry about Hz frequency in Canada?

For most modern electronics, no. Phone chargers, laptops and televisions handle either 50 or 60 Hz without issue. The frequency difference matters for older mechanical devices: clocks with mechanical movements, some older turntables, and certain washing machine programs that depend on motor speed.