Advice required on this electrical adapter.

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Bananabob

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#302679 11-Dec-2022 14:46

I have a US charger/plug that I would like to use. When I did some Google searches to see if I could buy a NZ version of the charger/plug I found that similar ones were being sold for use in NZ/AU but the company selling them provided one those adapters to change from two straight prongs to the two bent ones used in NZ. I already own one of those but I have read that you should not use an adapter from US to NZ plug type as a permanent solution.

Can anyone tell me if I can use this US/NZ adapter safely on a permanent basis as illustrated in the images.

I have provided the specification details on the charger/plug if that is required.

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#3008497 11-Dec-2022 14:53

That white adapter looks like it originally had the pins straight, and they've been bent to suit the angled AU/NZ sockets, or is the picture just unclear?

There's no harm in using adapters long-term, providing that they maintain good electrical contact. Just be wary to only connect anything that can actually handle 240Vac/50Hz.

What's the connector on the other end of the power supply cable? Is it a proprietary style, or just a generic barrel plug? If a barrel plug, you can just use a generic 230Vac to 12V/1A power supply, they're found everywhere.

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#3008499 11-Dec-2022 15:09

Not sure I would trust that particular adapter, but as pointed out above, there is no real problem using one as long as it is electrically safe and makes a solid connection. The reason adapters like this are advised against, is some are very flimsy and poorly made and could present a shock or fire hazard.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Bung

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#3008504 11-Dec-2022 15:39

Nobody can legally supply an electrical device in NZ that needs an adapter. The plug must comply as is.

That minimal type of adapter probably doesn't comply with the clearance required around the pins for 240v. It may be possible to get your finger tips around the edge and touch the pins. A hypothetical tourist could buy a much safer adapter in NZ.

Bananabob

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#3008507 11-Dec-2022 15:44

I can see what you are saying about the white adapter. To be truthful I can't remember where it came from and if the pins have been bent or not. The plug at the other end looks proprietary. I might just look for a tourist who wants to offload their adapter before leaving the country.

RunningMan

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#3008509 11-Dec-2022 15:48

What plug is on the other end?

Bananabob

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#3008511 11-Dec-2022 15:54

PolicyGuy

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#3008526 11-Dec-2022 16:35

It's got what appears to be an HP part number on it (5184-5863), so it maybe powers an HP device?
If so, you should be able to order an AU/NZ power brick for the HP device. That will most likely be more expensive than a generic wall wart with the same rating, but you might feel more comfortable.

Bananabob

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#3008533 11-Dec-2022 16:51

PolicyGuy:

It's got what appears to be an HP part number on it (5184-5863), so it maybe powers an HP device?
If so, you should be able to order an AU/NZ power brick for the HP device. That will most likely be more expensive than a generic wall wart with the same rating, but you might feel more comfortable.

That might be an answer. I took a quick look at their website, but could not find anything there. I might ring them.

sqishy

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#3008535 11-Dec-2022 17:07

Hi maybe just replace with something like this....

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/other-electronics/adaptors-chargers/listing/3895072044

lapimate

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#3008544 11-Dec-2022 17:48

sqishy:... https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/other-electronics/adaptors-chargers/listing/3895072044 ...

Generic may not suffice. HP [sometimes?] have resistance coding in their laptop power supplies.

Bananabob

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#3008545 11-Dec-2022 17:51

lapimate:

sqishy:... https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/other-electronics/adaptors-chargers/listing/3895072044 ...

Generic may not suffice. HP [sometimes?] have resistance coding in their laptop power supplies.

It is not for a laptop, but for a switch I was given.

neb

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#3008737 11-Dec-2022 20:34

PolicyGuy: If so, you should be able to order an AU/NZ power brick for the HP device.

You don't even need that, it's a bog-standard generic 12V wall wart, you can find these all over Trademe or from your favourite electrical parts suppier, e.g. Jaycar. No need to fiddle with unsafe hacked-up plug adapters.

frankv

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#3008883 12-Dec-2022 11:01

The device is good for 240V, so it will be fine. Just bend the pins with a good solid pair of pliers right at their base on the black device until they match the NZ angle. Throw away the white adapter.

Don't be a dick and try to stick your fingers between the plug and the socket when you're plugging it in. If this is too much to ask, go buy a 12V adapter good for at least 1A with a certified plug.

Bananabob

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#3008887 12-Dec-2022 11:08

neb:
PolicyGuy: If so, you should be able to order an AU/NZ power brick for the HP device.
You don't even need that, it's a bog-standard generic 12V wall wart, you can find these all over Trademe or from your favourite electrical parts suppier, e.g. Jaycar. No need to fiddle with unsafe hacked-up plug adapters.

How do I know if the plug that goes into the HP switch is the correct way round (is it called polarity?) that is where the negative and positive are? (Sorry a bit dumb on this sort of thing)

johno1234

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#3008891 12-Dec-2022 11:26

Bananabob:

How do I know if the plug that goes into the HP switch is the correct way round (is it called polarity?) that is where the negative and positive are? (Sorry a bit dumb on this sort of thing)

Your closeup image of the label shows that the centre pin is +ve. That's the most common so you should find that any generic ones have the same picture.

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