DiffordA

.... well maybe some of the guys too?

Just a quick question regarding hair straighteners. Mine packed up on me last night and I was going to go and get some new ones today when I suddenly thought - will they work in NZ? The reason I ask is because of the power difference. I have used some in the States before with an adaptor but they just wouldn't get hot enough. Can anyone offer any advise pleeeease as I don't want to waste my money if they will be useless once I get there.

Thanks in advance!

Amy

pixi-dust

its the same power here 240v - mine work fine, so does everything!

DiffordA

Thats great thanks! So just the sockets that are different rather than the actual power? Loads of adapters needed then!

Maz

Glad you got some help. I have the world's straightest hair, so a hair straightener would be the last thing I'd buy!

Now I'm wondering if that kind of appliance, made for the US and used with an adapter in NZ, would get *too* hot, if a UK one used in the US didn't get hot enough (clear as mud, I know ).

DiffordA

Hhhmmmm I see what you mean. I couldn't even hazard a guess on this one I'm afraid. I guess the thermostat kicks in no matter what the power input is to stop them getting too hot but I wouldn't rely on my guess work! I wouldn't want to be held responsible for hair meltdown!!

pixi-dust

Yeh!! When you get here you'll spend what seems like weeks changing all your plugs over ( the adaptors are expensive!) The plugs are cheap but not too great. Does anyone know where to get ones that are not side thingied? We still have a couple of things to change. Sad but true - the first one I changed was the hoover

Havent bothered with the hair straighteners as I dont really need them to drive the tractor! heehee

DiffordA

Ooohh that is useful to know thanks. I had images of us carrying a suitcase full of adaptors over with us!

Does this mean that if we changed the plug on a 4 gang extension lead (for example) we could then plug our english plugs into that ok?

pixi-dust

You can and thats what we did - took 2 with us - but I didnt feel happy with that long term. Also ( and I have no idea if its true as I never checked it out) but i heard that it can have a bad effect on your insurance ( house) if you have loads of extensions with uk plugs. ( Am I talking b@##@^s??) Does anyone know if this is true?

lardyl

thats what we are planning for small appliances and the chargers, etc. Friends in France do the same thing on lots of appliances esp. tools.
I'm taking some UK faceplates to change over those outlets in NZ once I have my own place!! - who cares about wiring regs? eh?