Hong Kong has are two main electricity suppliers: Hong Kong Electric Holdings (HEH) which services Hong Kong and Lamma Island, and China Light and Power (CLP) which services Kowloon, the New Territories and Outlying Islands.

Standard Electricity Supply

The electricity supply in Hong Kong is in the form of Alternating Current (AC) at a frequency of 50 Hertz. For domestic customers the voltage supplied is either 220 volts single phase or 220/380 volts 3 phase 4 wires. The power supply is reliable.

Plugs And Sockets

The standard plug is the British-style rectangular blade 3-pin plug, but older buildings may still have 3-pin, round plugs, both small and large. Two-pin round plugs are used for bathroom appliances like shavers or toothbrushes.

• For a diagram of a rectangular blade plug Type G: Click here

Compatibility of Appliances

Household appliances from a country with a different frequency and voltage (such as the United States, where it is 110 volts/60 Hz) may need a transformer and/or adaptor in order to function properly (if at all). Appliances from the UK and elsewhere in Europe will work in Hong Kong without the need for a transformer although a plug adapter or change of plug may be needed. Electrical appliances are inexpensive in Hong Kong and often available at leaving sales.

Television System

The transmission standard in Hong Kong is PAL 625. A non-PAL compatible television in Hong Kong will not receive a signal or be able to broadcast sound and picture.

There are three main television/video standards in use throughout the world.

• NTSC: used in the USA, Canada, Japan and some other countries
• PAL: used in most of Western Europe, Australasia and South Africa
• SECAM: used in France and Eastern Europe

The three systems are not compatible with each other. It is not possible to watch television on an NTSC or SECAM appliance in Hong Kong, or to use DVD or video players which are configured for these systems. Multi-standard TV, DVD or video equipment will be able to play a PAL (or NTSC) camcorder, DVD player or games console.

Further Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Services: Electricity, Gas & Water in Hong Kong
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Telephone & Internet Service Providers in Hong Kong

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