Changing US 2 pin plug to 3 pin UK plug ? Possible ?

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Changing US 2 pin plug to 3 pin UK plug ? Possible ?

Discuss Changing US 2 pin plug to 3 pin UK plug ? Possible ? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

J

Jimhunt100

Hi all,

I've recently received a US mini-computer that has a US 2 pin plug on it. I've plugged this into a US-to- UK adapter and it works fine. The text on the computer itself says it will work on 110v or 230v; which is obviously correct as the device works fine. As far as I can tell there is no transformer in the adapter and there is no transformer block on the cable.

In order to reduce the size of the plug (I want to wall mount the device) I would like to replace the US 2 pin with a UK 3 pin plug.

- Can I do this without blowing up the device ?
- How do I tell which cable is live (does it even matter - as the plug isn't 'keyed' to force it to be inserted in a particular orientation. Is it the case that the internal electrics of the device handle the polarity ?
- What else should I look out for ?

I'm familiar with re-wiring plugs etc - but worried I'll fry the device by cross connecting live and neutral !)

Many thanks in advance
Jim
 
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If the 2-prong US plug has two prongs of equal width, the device may be connected to the supply either way round. If one prong is wider, that is the neutral and it will not fit in the hot (line) slot. If the cores are black and white, black is hot (line) and white is neutral.

You will never 'fry' a device that has a 2-core flex by reversing L & N, even if they are colour coded or it has a polarised plug. It will invariably work 100% correctly but you might defeat a couple of internal safety features by placing switching and protection devices in the neutral instead of line.

Note that products supplied in the UK should be fitted with the correct plug by the supplier. If it is not, although functionally suitable for 230V the safety approvals may not be valid or up to EU specifications.
 
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Lucien Nunes said:
If the 2-prong US plug has two prongs of equal width, the device may be connected to the supply either way round. If one prong is wider, that is the neutral and it will not fit in the hot (line) slot. If the cores are black and white, black is hot (line) and white is neutral.

You will never 'fry' a device that has a 2-core flex by reversing L & N, even if they are colour coded or it has a polarised plug. It will invariably work 100% correctly but you might defeat a couple of internal safety features by placing switching and protection devices in the neutral instead of line.

Note that products supplied in the UK should be fitted with the correct plug by the supplier. If it is not, although functionally suitable for 230V the safety approvals may not be valid or up to EU specifications.
Click to expand...


Thanks - very useful ! Do you know what colours the US use to denote live and neutral ? Just so if I do decide to do this - I can keep the 3 pin wiring consistent !
 
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SWD said:
Does the lead with the two pin plug, plug in to an adapter or directly to the mini computer, what does the other end look like?
Click to expand...

The lead goes like this power socket----2 pin plug-----cable-------computer

There's no 'transformer' block of any kind that I can see; unless it's in the plug itself .....although the plug feels far too light for this and too small (the entire 2 pin plug is about the same overall size as a UK 3 pin plug)
 
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SWD said:
Does the lead with the two pin plug, plug in to an adapter or directly to the mini computer, what does the other end look like?
Click to expand...

Here's a picture of the plug itself. Do you think it contains a transformer ?

Plug.png
 
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What does the end that goes from 2 Pin Plug Containing Transformer ---- To Lead ---- To Computer, look like as you may be able to buy the same setup with a 3 pin plug in the UK.

It should have a rating label stuck to it.
 
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The blurb on it will tell the output voltage and current to find an equivalent. If you use it with a socket adaptor, use a proper fused one to BS5733, not one of the rubbish unfused multi-format kinds that are about everywhere. The fuse is essential when connecting overseas appliances to UK ring circuits.
 
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Cut the lead stick a UK plug on it start filming watch it go bang and burn your house down, upload footage to YouTube, become an influencer and buy a Mac with the proceeds........ ;o))))) *



*I may be taking the pi55 ;o))))
 
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I need help. bought black and decker 2 ltr airfrier , has 2prongcable. how doaaaaaknow which uk adapter will convert to uk 3pin plug bigggish item. more powerful than pc or hair dryer. bought 2 small adapter 2prong but niether will take the 2prong on airfrier cable
 
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Please check the information plate or post a picture. If it has a European 2-pin plug there are adaptors rated up to 10A that fit permanently to the plug and will be safe.

If it has a USA 2-pin plug it will likely be 120V 60Hz only and will be damaged or destroyed if connected to UK 230V power.

Please check or post a picture of the information plate first.
 
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Lucien Nunes said:
Please check the information plate or post a picture. If it has a European 2-pin plug there are adaptors rated up to 10A that fit permanently to the plug and will be safe.

If it has a USA 2-pin plug it will likely be 120V 60Hz only and will be damaged or destroyed if connected to UK 230V power.

Please check or post a picture of the information plate first.
Click to expand...
thankyou I will try to find more info I have vision impairment and not good at seeing. the details are black and decker puifry airfrier " 2ltr quite a large item sellar not responding
 
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Are the pins on the plug flat or round?

Electrical products should not be sold in the UK without a correct plug fitted and in compliance with UK / EU standards.
 
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