ExBritFL

Can anyone share their experiences as to what appliances from the US will work in the UK?

Is it a matter of checking the max voltage allowed on the item and then changing the plug to a standard 3 pin UK one?

I'm wondering if things such as, lamps, hairdryers, DVD players would work this way. I've read that motorized items (food processors etc) wouldnt.

Any input would be appreciated!

Mummy in the foothills

I was reading about taking small appliances like hairdryers etc to the UK over on UK-Yankees and from what they have noticed, the appliances don't seem to last very long using just a converter, you know those things that plug the US two or three prong to the UK outlet mine are just a white plastic thing I bought in Lidl's
I suppose if you have the room for them, it saves having to put out money right away on all new stuff, you can wait till yours burn out eventually replacing things one by one.

dunroving

Most minor electronic stuff (computer gear, TV/audio, cameras, etc.) have wide range voltage and frequency - did you try looking on the electrical info on the appliance itself?

More heavy duty motors like hair dryers etc. won't work over here AFAIK. Lamps usually not, but most can be rewired easily if they are special - but Asda etc. sell that stuff cheaply anyway.

ExBritFL

The electrics I was looking to take do have the capacity of up to 240v. My hairdryers' etc are quite expensive so I thought to take them and change the plug itself instead of using a converter which doesn't actually change to voltage but provides 3 pins apparently

fatbrit

Sometimes takes weeks to get the smell of burnt electrics out of a room.

Flog it on Craigslist or, better still, give it to Goodwill.

Aviator

Not to mention regrow hair!

ExBritFL

OK - not worth the risk - thanks for the info!

mayhemuk

I'll never forget the mother in laws first trip to the UK when she brought her hairdryer with her. Plugged it into the bathroom shaver socket then looked stunned as flames came out of it!