UK/NZ power adapters... ok for permanent use?

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › UK/NZ power adapters... ok for permanent use?

mejoblogg5

24 posts

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#142622 18-Mar-2014 22:44

I've brought a fair bit of stuff back from UK and of course all has UK plugs.

Is it ok to permanently run electronics off an adapter?

I also have UK powerboards/multiplugs, so I'd be using an NZ adapter to plug that in, then plug another bunch of things into the multiplug

I heard a lot of adapters are only for temporary use and may not comply with nz standards etc...

But since I know nothing about electrical stuff I was hoping someone here could enlighten me?

Thanks

Aredwood

3885 posts

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#1008567 18-Mar-2014 23:03

Firstly, is your UK stuff suitable for NZ voltage? NZ power points are 240V 10A. UK power points are 250V 13A. Have a look at the rating plates on your UK appliances to check that they will be OK with 240V and won't draw more than 10A.

As for NZ to UK plug adaptors, make sure they connect through the earth pin. There are some out there that don't!

The best idea I reckon is to cut off the UK plugs on your multi boxes and wire on NZ plugs. Since I have yet to see an NZ to UK adaptor that has safety shutters, (which are required on UK power sockets) or 10Amp rated overload protection. This assumes that your UK multi boxes do have safety shutters. You will just have to make sure you don't overload the plug.

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#1008640 19-Mar-2014 07:19

As mentioned above the best option is to use UK multiboards with a NZ plug.

Power adapters should not be relied on as a permanent solution.

Spyware

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#1008679 19-Mar-2014 08:28

NZ and UK are actually both 230 VAC 50 Hz countries.

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Sideface

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#1008685 19-Mar-2014 08:32

Power adapters are a safety hazard if there are children about.

Sideface

old3eyes

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#1008690 19-Mar-2014 08:37

I use adaptors on my Chromecast and Nexus 7 with no problems at all..

Regards,

Old3eyes

mejoblogg5

24 posts

Geek

#1008704 19-Mar-2014 08:55

It's all just mobile phone chargers, routers, modems etc Small/low-power electrical appliances, so from what I hear they should be ok?

I can scrap most of my multiboxes but I have one of these I'd still like to keep:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000PS5700/

Can I get the plug changed at a shop perhaps? I don't have the knowledge to start chopping cables myself

trig42

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#1008757 19-Mar-2014 09:32

mejoblogg5: It's all just mobile phone chargers, routers, modems etc Small/low-power electrical appliances, so from what I hear they should be ok?

I can scrap most of my multiboxes but I have one of these I'd still like to keep:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000PS5700/

Can I get the plug changed at a shop perhaps? I don't have the knowledge to start chopping cables myself

Anyone slightly handy should be able to do it.

You can buy new plugs at any hardware store, and they come with simple illustrated instructions about what colour connects to what pin, and even an 'actual size' image of how much cable to strip to make it fit nice and neatly. I've done quite a few of them.

This is the one I use: http://www.bunnings.co.nz/hpm-10-amp-3-pin-side-entry-plug-top-grey-_p00600809

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bales

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#1008762 19-Mar-2014 09:45

i would keep that one too looks good quality

richms

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#1009533 20-Mar-2014 07:13

No appliance tech should fit a au/nz 3112 plug to a UK power strip as it has no overload protection in the strip as the UK relies on the 13 a plug fuse to protect the supply cable and internals from overcurrent. A tech also has to put a safety test result on any work they do saying it meets standards and is safe. They cannot do that for appliances not made to local standards.

Even the suggestion of a 15 a plug which comes up often is not suitable as the cable is usually 1.25mm which is only good to 13 a and will not protect it against 2 large loads if the power circuit is a 20 or 25 A protected one.

Keep the UK plug and use a quality travel adapter on each appliance. The socket on travel adapters is not made for regular use so leave them on the appliance.

Richard rich.ms

Shindig

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#1009545 20-Mar-2014 08:08

I do so, no worries here.

The little things make the biggest difference.

Bung

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#1009677 20-Mar-2014 10:48

richms: Even the suggestion of a 15 a plug which comes up often is not suitable as the cable is usually 1.25mm which is only good to 13 a and will not protect it against 2 large loads if the power circuit is a 20 or 25 A protected one.

Do you think you'll get any discrimination with a 13A fuse and a 20A breaker? Possibly not even with 25A breaker.

mad01

76 posts

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#1009683 20-Mar-2014 10:58

We have been using multiple UK devices on adaptors and multi plugs without any issues over 4 years now:

TV, PS3, hairdryer, phones, vacuum cleaner, monitors.

Also have multiple US plugs without any issues (although you do need to check the voltage for those)
rasor, phones...