Safety precautions when buying electrical appliances abroad
These days, more people choose to buy electrical appliances from overseas shopping platforms or while travelling. However, before you buy them, it is wise to check that they can be used in Hong Kong. Voltages differ around the world and if you connect an electrical appliance to sockets with incompatible voltages, this could result in damage to the appliance or even pose a fire hazard.
Points to look out for when purchasing electrical appliances overseas
1. Standard voltage
Check the standard voltage of the electrical appliance before you buy. If the appliance is designed for international voltage (i.e. 100V-240V), you can use the appliance directly with an adaptor or transformer. If the appliance is designed for local voltage in the country you bought it from, and that voltage differs from Hong Kong, you will need an adaptor before you can use it. The performance of an electrical appliance is affected by the difference between the voltage of the appliance and the voltage of the power supply. Appliances with voltages below 200V should not be connected directly to sockets in Hong Kong, otherwise overvoltage may occur and there is a risk of damage to the electrical appliance.
2. Power plug type
Before buying, check the power plug of the electrical appliance. If the type of plug differs from that of the power sockets in Hong Kong, you will need an adaptor before you can use it in Hong Kong.
3. Warranty
Not all electrical appliances bought overseas are covered by a global warranty. Before you make a purchase, check the period and coverage of the warranty.
4. Customs duty
There is a chance that customs duty may be levied on electrical appliances purchased overseas. So be sure to shop at stores with tax-free labels or check with the store to see if the appliance is eligible for a tax refund.
Comparison of the voltage and plug types in mainland China, Japan and the US
| Region | Standard Voltage | Frequency | Electrical appliances plug type |
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Hong Kong |
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Mainland China |
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Japan |
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USA |
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Mainland China
The 2-pin flat / 2-pin round plugs for mainland appliances differ from the 3-pin flat sockets used in Hong Kong. You will need an adaptor to use an appliance bought in the mainland. Check the name and address of the manufacturer printed on the product and whether the product has a Certificate of Conformity, a CCC certification mark and an ISO 9001 quality control system certification. Also check whether the name, model, price and item number of the electrical appliance stated on the invoice are the same as those listed in the store where you made the purchase.
Japan
The voltage of Japanese electrical appliances is lower than Hong Kong electrical appliances and therefore not suitable to be plugged directly into Hong Kong sockets. This means you need an adaptor. The two-pin flat / two-pin flat + one round earth pin plugs of Japanese appliances also differ from the three-pin flat sockets in Hong Kong and likewise, an adaptor is required. Note that the warranty of most Japanese appliances is limited to Japan only so there is no warranty once the goods leave Japan.
USA
The voltage of US appliances is lower than that of appliances in Hong Kong so they are not suitable for direct connection to Hong Kong sockets and will require an adaptor. The 2-pin flat / 2-pin flat + one round earth plugs of US appliances differ from the 3-pin flat sockets of Hong Kong so you will also need an adaptor before you can use appliances bought in the US.