Electrical Wiring in Hong Kong - Overview

Overview

BS 1363 is the mainstream wiring system in Hong Kong. In old buildings, the BS 546 system is also common.

Due to its proximity to mainland China, electrical products from there are quite common in Hong Kong. Many Hong Kongers and mainland Chinese immigrants purchase electrical products in mainland China and use them in Hong Kong. Even if an item of equipment meets the safety requirements inside mainland China, there are plug and socket compatibility problems when using them in Hong Kong.

Before the enforcement of the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation, many types of plugs could be found in Hong Kong. Using this old equipment sometimes leads to plug and socket mating problems. Nowadays, virtually all plugs fitted in equipment sold in Hong Kong are BS 1363 compatible.

Many overseas citizens who bring equipment in from their home countries do not use the British wiring system. Citizens from the United Kingdom and countries that use British wiring systems normally do not encounter plug-and-socket issues in Hong Kong.