In the United Kingdom, low-cost consumer tools are 240V, whereas high-quality business equipment are 110V. To decrease the risk of electric shock to employees, the UK demands highly specific electricity on construction sites. This is 110V (actually) with a grounded center. That implies each "hot" leg is just 55 volts from the ground. A typical household circuit is about 120 volts so these tools are not for use by people unless they are experienced professionals who know what they are doing. However, there are options if you need to use a tool in the UK. First, find out what voltage your tool needs. Most need 220-240 volts to function properly. If it requires 110 volts, then you will need a transformer or plug adapter. Transforming power means changing its voltage level while keeping the current constant. A transformer does this by using magnetic fields to pass energy from one circuit to another. The ratio of voltage levels between the primary and secondary circuits determines how much energy can be transferred. For example, if you connect a 110-volt source to a 120-volt socket, only 10% of its capacity will be used. However, if you connect it to a 240-volt socket, it will give out 60% of its total capacity. Plug adapters change both voltage levels of a single circuit. They do this by using two different outlets from three-prong sockets.