Permanently using a travel adpator for foreign plugs in NZ

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Permanently using a travel adpator for foreign plugs in NZ

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sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#2033679 11-Jun-2018 13:59

xcon:

Wade: I tweaked my Chinese plug pins with pliers, fits NZ sockets no problem now. 😊

Hehe , I do the same

Huh? China uses the same plug as NZ but it's upside down and with non insulated pins (which makes them illegal to use in NZ).

Are you meaning bending US plugs with pliers? I'm sure everybody has done that at some point.

NZSpides

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#2033681 11-Jun-2018 14:02

I've bent pins in the past, but I just don't bother any more, now I just replace the adapter.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
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#2033688 11-Jun-2018 14:12

sbiddle:

Huh? China uses the same plug as NZ but it's upside down and with non insulated pins (which makes them illegal to use in NZ).

Are you meaning bending US plugs with pliers? I'm sure everybody has done that at some point.

Yes, you are right. Slight lack of clarity here. Sometimes things from Chinese sites don't have plug options that fit here and USA plugs are the least worst choice as it is easy to bend the pins. The Chinese ones are a pain because the wrong way adapter often won't fit power points and requires its own extension cord.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

NightStalker

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#2034193 12-Jun-2018 10:09

To simplify the original question

I'll ignore options that include modifying the original power plug provided including bending pins or cutting/replacing the plug end.
This is mainly because some GZ users would not be comfortable with this but it also complicates on-selling the device at a later point.

As has also been mentioned the supplied Chinese travel adaptors you get from AliExpress etc are flimsy so not recommended.
For the sake of this discussion I'm going to say that the adaptor permanently in use is purchased in NZ such as Jackson(EU, UK/US) or Korjo(EU, UK/US) branded ones.

So assuming the powered device is compatible with NZ power (ie not a US 110v device) and a small appliance/device (not a fridge from the UK etc) are there any legal implications or NZ issues with safety standards if a NZ purchased travel adapter is used permanently.

Aredwood

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#2034530 12-Jun-2018 15:49

kryptonjohn:
neb:
surfisup1000:

You don't always need an earth pin.

Exactly, the current is quite capable of finding a path to ground through your body.

The earth pin is only relevant to non double insulated devices, IOW where you could touch the conductive case which could potentially be live.

Even some double insulated devices still require the earth pin. It is used as part of filter circuits for interference suppression. And can also be used to earth low voltage circuits in the device or connected equipment.

Wiggum

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#2034537 12-Jun-2018 15:57

NightStalker:

So assuming the powered device is compatible with NZ power (ie not a US 110v device) and a small appliance/device (not a fridge from the UK etc) are there any legal implications or NZ issues with safety standards if a NZ purchased travel adapter is used permanently.

As mentioned earlier, there is no difference from a safety point of view between New Zealanders using adapter/travel plugs in NZ, or tourists coming here and using adapter/travel plugs in NZ. What does permanently mean in today's standards with small appliances/devices anyway? Most small appliances/devices would have a lifetime of around 5 years so its not really permanently anyway.

Wiggum

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#2034540 12-Jun-2018 16:06

surfisup1000:

Wiggum:

Rikkitic:

Since there are no children in my vicinity I don't tend to worry unduly about things like this but I have had some adapters from China that were so unfit for purpose even I wouldn't use them. Extremely flimsy, loose-fitting, exposed contacts, the whole ball of wax. Either I repair them to make them safely usable or I find something else.

I have seen similar types on trademe. Some without even an earth pin.

You don't always need an earth pin.

I would be skeptical though of using a travel adapter without an earth pin for a device that has an earth pin (eg a hair dryer). But all the good ones seem to have the earth pin so probably not a real issue.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

surfisup1000

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#2034563 12-Jun-2018 17:39

neb:
surfisup1000:

You don't always need an earth pin.

Exactly, the current is quite capable of finding a path to ground through your body.

Please read the following, you are suffering needlessly by avoiding electrical devices with 2 pin plugs ...

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-most-of-my-appliances-electrical-cables-come-without-a-plug-that-is-earthed-two-pin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appliance_classes

Quite honestly though, if you are going to give a trolling answer you had better be sure you are correct first.

surfisup1000

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#2034566 12-Jun-2018 17:44

Wiggum:

I would be skeptical though of using a travel adapter without an earth pin for a device that has an earth pin (eg a hair dryer). But all the good ones seem to have the earth pin so probably not a real issue.

Of course, I agree. If the product may get wet or is not a double insulated safety design then you should use 3 pins.

But, if it is a double insulated design for something like a usb charger you would be just fine with 2 pins.

eg, i have a few USA sourced external harddrives that are just fine on 2 pin connectors.

Bung

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#2034579 12-Jun-2018 19:03

Even if you don't need the electrical connection of the earth pin it helps the adapter stay planted in the socket with the weight of a plugpack hanging off it. Regardless plugpacks on adapters seem fated to fall out at the most inconvenient times.

linw

2850 posts

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#2034615 12-Jun-2018 20:50

Agree with Bung re falling out. Have just replaced my Xiaomi vac cleaner charger Chinese plug with a NZ plug. Feels much more secure!

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