Issue with US appliance in NZ

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Ge0rge

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#2164398 20-Jan-2019 18:58

You may both be thinking of different two-prong plugs. There is a "two round prongs" version that are the same diameter, and then there are "two flat parallel" pins, which are often different size and only (correctly) insertable in one orientation.

andrewNZ

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#2164415 20-Jan-2019 19:11

Ge0rge: You may both be thinking of different two-prong plugs. There is a "two round prongs" version that are the same diameter, and then there are "two flat parallel" pins, which are often different size and only (correctly) insertable in one orientation.

Two pin US plugs can go either way. There is no operational or safety issue.

Rikkitic

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#2164417 20-Jan-2019 19:13

I checked and my memory did not fail me. US homes had unpolarised two-prong outlets at least up until the 1960s (the end of my experience). There may have also been other types, but unpolarised two-prong outlets were common and those were what were in my homes. I happen to have an old America hair dryer I brought from the States in 1998 and that also has the flat blade unpolarised plug. Fortunately, it also has a plastic body.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

SomeoneSomewhere

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#2164436 20-Jan-2019 20:33

The plugs may be polarised or unpolarised; the sockets have a narrower and wider slot. Only appliances for which polarity matters would use polarised plugs.

Europlugs are the ones with two round prongs. They're used for smaller, double insulated, polarity insensitive loads. Which removes the need for a earth pin or polarisation.

gregmcc

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#2164447 20-Jan-2019 21:23

debo:

You could re-wire the two elements in series as opposed to parallel. Then it will work just fine on 240v.

Making this kind of statement and having little to no actual electrical exp. is a fire waiting to happen.

#1, using an appliance that is marked for 110V, in NZ on 230V is classed as electrically unsafe and illegal (no matter what modifications have or haven't been made).

#2, taking it upon yourself to "re-wire" the appliance is illegal, at a minimum you need to be EST registered as modifying anything electrical falls outside the home owner exemption for electrical work.

#3, Supplying electrical advice such as above is illegal, to dispense electrical advice you need to be registered and carry a practicing license neither of which the quoted poster has (unless they would like to PM me either their name or registration number so I can confirm one way or another).

As an electrician, the best advice is destroy the appliance and go and buy something made for the NZ market.

freitasm

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#2164448 20-Jan-2019 21:27

I am locking this as we don't need well intentioned but incorrect or even illegal statements.

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