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Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by penguinsix
(Post 6289392)
But if you are just here a short while, you can get a simple plug transformer that takes the bulky UK 220 prongs and converts them to US prongs.
US wall sockets and plugs are poorer quality than UK. |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by Anthony919
(Post 6301061)
I found that the weight of a UK 3-pin plug when attached to the converter that then goes into the US wall outlet, is so heavy that the converter doesn't fit properly into the wall outlet (kind of hangs part way out) and it creates sparks and also falls out periodically.
US wall sockets and plugs are poorer quality than UK. |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by LadyBelle
(Post 6301972)
Would a UK extension cord help? You connect that to the converter, arranging it so that the heavier plug(s) lays on a surface? Just a thought. I haven't read through the last bunch of posts here, but saw this, and we did face a similar issue when we were traveling in Europe recently; the extension cord worked perfectly. HTH.
An extension would just lengthen where you could have the appliance - is this what you mean? The adapters I got where very good and still work 100%, but the connection is not solid. I used one on a laptop cable in a top hotel and I dreaded pulling the lead in and out each time because sparks kept coming out. I was told by the person at Teleadapt who I dealt with that this is common (he had also experienced this himself when he came here) as US electrical standards are poorer. There is a actually a third circular hole in US wall sockets, which is for plugs that have a third prong and which I assume is for earthing - this makes the connection much better and pretty sure. Some appliances have these, but not all. One that does is a kettle, which I had a hell of a job finding here because they don''t really use them (they call them a "water boiling jug" :rofl:) US wall sockets make laugh though - they are like a face! |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by Anthony919
(Post 6302142)
I don't think so, as the problem is the UK plug plugging into the adapter/converter (which is roughly the same size as a UK plug), which then goes directly into the US wall socket.
An extension would just lengthen where you could have the appliance - is this what you mean? The adapters I got where very good and still work 100%, but the connection is not solid. I used one on a laptop cable in a top hotel and I dreaded pulling the lead in and out each time because sparks kept coming out. I was told by the person at Teleadapt who I dealt with that this is common (he had also experienced this himself when he came here) as US electrical standards are poorer. There is a actually a third circular hole in US wall sockets, which is for plugs that have a third prong and which I assume is for earthing - this makes the connection much better and pretty sure. Some appliances have these, but not all. One that does is a kettle, which I had a hell of a job finding here because they don''t really use them (they call them a "water boiling jug" :rofl:) US wall sockets make laugh though - they are like a face! Yes, the three hole sockets are for earthing. Anthony, I should know this, given our moving discussions, but where are you?! A "water boiling jug"!!!!? I have never heard of that. Did you try asking for an electric teapot? |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by LadyBelle
(Post 6302186)
LOL. Hmm, perhaps a US extension cord or power strip, then plugging the converter into that. Is that safe?
Yes, the three hole sockets are for earthing. Anthony, I should know this, give our moving discussions, but where are you?! A "water boiling jug"!!!!? I have never heard of that. Did you try asking for an electric teapot? I'm in NC. (as per my previous moving lawyer plea). I didn't ask for an electric teapot because I didn't think to use such a term - anyway, isn't a teapot what you put the tea and water into? |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by Anthony919
(Post 6302193)
Yes, a US extension cord would be better. I see now what you meant.
I'm in NC. (as per my previous moving lawyer plea). I didn't ask for an electric teapot because I didn't think to use such a term - anyway, isn't a teapot what you put the tea and water into? |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by LadyBelle
(Post 6302219)
Yes, but in the US it can also be the thing you boil the water in. :) Electric teapot / Electric tea kettle.
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Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by Anthony919
(Post 6290500)
A good way to deal with several UK-plugged appliances in one area (like the kitchen or office equipment), is to get a UK 5-way strip. Cut off the UK plug and replace it with a USA plug (get an electrician to do this if you don't know what you're doing). Then just plug in all your UK appliances in the 5-way strip section and away you go.
Otherwise, you could plug a UK 5-way strip into the converter without changing out the strip's plug, right? |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by LadyBelle
(Post 6546501)
By the way -- months later because I am now looking for the converters -- you mean this for the appliances that do NOT need a converter, yes?
Otherwise, you could plug a UK 5-way strip into the converter without changing out the strip's plug, right? US wall plugs are not very precise (ala European style). If it doesn't fit well, the converter plus the UK plug will fall out of the wall socket or will sit just shy of a proper fit and may cause sparks. That's why I recommend replacing the UK plug at the end of the 5-way strip with a US wall plug. |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Hi again - Our UK plasma says "110/240v and 50/60hz" on the plate. Does this mean here in the US, we only need an adapter for it and not a converter? Cheers.
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Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Originally Posted by LadyBelle
(Post 6571982)
Hi again - Our UK plasma says "110/240v and 50/60hz" on the plate. Does this mean here in the US, we only need an adapter for it and not a converter? Cheers.
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Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
If it was purchased in Europe, the answer to that is yes.
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Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Thanks again.
Originally Posted by BritishGuy36
(Post 6573404)
If it was purchased in Europe, the answer to that is yes.
It's from China, but I think it's a British model. |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
If you purchased it in the EU, it will be able to cope with PAL or NTSC no problem.
You just need to get the correct mains lead for the plasma - no converter required (which is good because plasmas use quite a bit of juice!). |
Re: Converters to for UK electrical appliances in USA
Ok, thanks for the quick reply and clarification. We'll see if the whole NTSC/PAL thing is an issue or not -- I hope not. Cheers. ;)
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