Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

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Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Rich1972 27/04/2008, 13:53

Hello all.

I'm on the verge of purchasing a load of plug adaptors for my fridge, TV, laptop, microwave, etc. etc. so I can use them when I move to France in a few weeks' time. The type I want to buy are described as:

UK 3 pin socket to 2 pin european mains plug adaptor.
Suitable for use with both UK mains plugs and mains power supply adaptors, rated up to 7.5 amps

Is up to 7.5 amps strong enough for things like a microwave and TV? I'm a dunce when it comes to electrical stuff. I don't want to buy them only to discover they were useless and wouldn't operate a TV, etc.

Thanks

Rich  Smile [:)]

Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Dick Smith 27/04/2008, 13:56
My advice would be: don't.

Buy some small UK extension cables, put earthed French plugs on them. That way you have confidence that the whole thing doesn't melt or catch fire when you put a continuous heavy load through it.

Better yet, if you are moving to France permanently (or the items are) - change the plugs.
Regards

Dick Smith

Nowhere is there warmth to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground

Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Rich1972 27/04/2008, 14:07

Hi! Is changing the plugs to two-pin easy? I've changed plugs in the UK so it's not an unknown quantity. Is it basically the same set up?

Rich

Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Dick Smith 27/04/2008, 15:07
Easy. I've done it loads of times and I've still got eight fingers and an eyebrow.

An electrician will be along to answer shortly, I expect, but as a consumer I've never had a problem (and that includes putting English plugs onto French equipment).

French plugs aren't always two-pin - there is a female earth socket on French 3-wire plugs. I buy mine in the brico sheds (such as Bricomarché) and always keep a few at hand.

Most items will be 2-core, so get a selection.

Please check that you aren't dealing with three-phase at any point, and if you are get a qualified sparks to deal with it. The plugs/sockets are significantly different, as is the voltage!


Postscript - in my first post I said fused French plugs - duh! I meant earthed.
Regards

Dick Smith

Nowhere is there warmth to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground

Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Rich1972 27/04/2008, 15:41

Many thanks for the advice. I'd feel a lot happier with French plugs fitted rather than adaptors so that's the route I'll go down!

Rich Smile [:)]

Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Bugbear 27/04/2008, 16:07

I've got a large carrier bag of english plugs..........free if anyone wants to collect them....Big Smile [:D]

 

Why we've kept them I've absolutely no idea..........................unless it was the ever-increasing value of brassWhistles [Www]

"Life is Short - Forgive Quickly - Love Truly - Laugh Uncontrollably"



Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Rich1972 27/04/2008, 16:18
By the way, what does 'three-phase' mean? Confused [8-)]

Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Anton Redman 27/04/2008, 17:29

Broadly it is a more cost effective way of transmitting electricity over long distances. The service provider uses less wire and looses less power than with a two-phase supply. Common in rural France for milking machines, kilns etc. but not uncommon in rural houses, may be the only way of having a large electric cooker. Not inherently dangerous but can be deadly in circumstances where two-phase would just you an very unpleasant shock. I you have bought a house with three-phase supply then either employ a professional electrician or learn enough about how and why it works to be confident to DIY.

http://www.emfs.info/what_TermTuto.asp

Re: Finding the Correct UK to EU Plug Adaptors! Help

Rich1972 27/04/2008, 17:53

Thanks for that. One further question: how can I tell whether it's a two-way or three-way supply? Will it say so on the first bill? The place will need rewiring anyway, so perhaps  I should use adaptors until the electrician comes to do it, and then he can tell me whether it's a three-way system. Yes, it's a rural property and hasn't been touched since the 1950s, if not the 1850s!

Rich

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