Just a quicky!

Will it work if I put a 2 pin adaptor onto a UK 4 socket extension lead? Will say a computer, monitor and printer work ok or should I just change the plug?

Thanks as always

cant see it would be a prob; we have done it; but easier in the long run is to replace the plugs

Probably better if you use a surge protector multi socket lead.
French power supplies can be subject to lightening strikes that blow out sensitive equipment including telephones.
See the post by smithyandlisa entitled techs urgently needed.
I bought new french power leads for the laptop and printer i.e. the power cable that terminates in a 2-pin or 3-pin round - depending on the machine.
These are available from FNAC / Darty / Boulanger etc.
You could plug a UK multi socket into an adapter.

Hi I do it a lot.

From Ebay I buy a good adaptor BUT make sure it has an EARTH. Get one that sits tightly inside the Euro socket and you just see the UK 3 pin socket protruding slightly. Dont get the 'long one' that sticks out a lot and you see a lot in shops. Then I buy from a UK DIY shop one of those 4/6 way expanders and then just use the UK plugs. This way its a lot cheaper and saves messing about with replacing plugs/leads. Most of our kitchen stuff in UK plugs so this just makes it easy.

However ....

Very good point though about using a surge protector for sensitive things like PC stuff.

Good luck

Jon

Hi I do it a lot.

From Ebay I buy a good adaptor BUT make sure it has an EARTH. Get one that sits tightly inside the Euro socket and you just see the UK 3 pin socket protruding slightly. Dont get the 'long one' that sticks out a lot and you see a lot in shops. Then I buy from a UK DIY shop one of those 4/6 way expanders and then just use the UK plugs. This way its a lot cheaper and saves messing about with replacing plugs/leads. Most of our kitchen stuff in UK plugs so this just makes it easy. Also many 4 way plugs have screw holes so you can mount it neatly to the wall so that you can pull the UK plug out easily.

However ....

Very good point though about using a surge protector for sensitive things like PC stuff.

Good luck

Jon

A plug is cheaper, Just rewire the extension lead with a French plug and make sure it's earthed.

We do it a lot as well. Especially useful as many French properties don't have enough sockets for the power needed for computer, printer, desk lamp etc.... We did it this way as we were travelling back and forward between uk and france and so did not want to change all the plugs on laptops etc.

When I was travelling a lot I used to use one of these.



The only things I have now 13A are plug top PSU's for which there is little option but a 13A socket or extension.

Im_and_Er has mentioned the only instance where it is safe and sensible to use adaptors. The little self-contained power supply units. Thankfully most of these units require such a low current supply that they should not pose any safety risk. In my view, any other use of "adaptors" or multi adaptors is asking for trouble. All adaptors are only rated for a certain maximum current flow. How many people bother to read and abide by the rated maximum on these units? The easiest to abuse are the ones that offer several inputs and people start using them for a row of kitchen appliances or heaters, etc. Its very easy to unknowingly exceed the rating of the adaptor and the result is heat. Heat softens and melts plastic. Result = house fire! Replace your UK plugs with French ones. They are cheaper than any adaptors and its not rocket science to fit them.

Since moving to Spain I have done this alot, using Spanish extension leads and also UK extensions, usually so I branch all UK plugged products onto the same extn rather than having a mix.

One thing to look for is the fuses in the UK plug tops. Most products like computers, printers, monitors only need around 5A fuse, not the 13A most plug tops seem to be fitted with. They don't draw much current - unlike a 2 or 3kg fan heater

Just remember that the European way seems to put more reliance on the circuit fuse/circuit breaker whilst in the UK we have a fuse on each product - some extensions have a switch and fuse as well as the fuse on the plug top.

I am a qualified Portable Appliance tester and don't generally hold with too many extension leads all over the place - they become trip hazards, but used correctly, in the right application (not outdoors/near swimming pools) then they should be ok.

hope this helps
.

Hi Please can you tell me how I attach a photo like you did into the message like that - cool!

When I do 'insert image' in (this) reply box it asks for a URL... so I guess is a web site, but my photos are in folders on my hard disk.

Thanks for explaining this in advance
Jon

To attach a photo or image you will first have to upload it to a hosting site such as Photobucket or Flickr etc. you cannot do it from your own machine.

Once you have uploaded it you can include the URL in a post by clicking the 'Insert Image' icon in the tool bar and pasting it in the box.

If you want to include an image you have found on the Internet then just copy it's URL then use 'Insert Image' in the same way as above.

Have fun

THANKS for this - Im afraid Im not very technical.. and have never used a hosting site... but its very clever how you have found all the icons and put them into the message as well. Explains it perfectly - Very cool!

Thanks for the great info, until I get better trained, I'll just attach a photo and go with lo-quality posts!

Thanks again
Jon