N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dannyboy on July 12, 2023, 09:20:25 PM

Title: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: dannyboy on July 12, 2023, 09:20:25 PM
I have bought a new pond filter and pump. Both items are fitted with a 2 round pin plug which has an earth connector. I have done some searching on t'internet and there seems to be various types of Euro plug adaptors, designated with different letters of the alphabet. There are loads of adaptors available, but I am struggling to work out just which type I require. The plugs on the filter and pump have the two round pins, at 'East' and 'West', with a metal clad hole at 'North' and a small piece of metal at 'South'. Both 'North' and 'South' are flush with the plug casing. So the question to any electricians reading this is, what adaptor do I require? I do realise that I could cut the original plug off and fit a UK plug, but this would of course invalidate the warranty. Any help would be appreciated.
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: emjaybee on July 12, 2023, 09:26:25 PM
Try an old 'shaver adaptor plug' if you've got one.

Or...

https://cpc.farnell.com/powerconnections/bca-wh-3a/battery-charger-adaptor-3a-white/dp/PL09959?mckv=seyv7BzDv_dc|pcrid|491034912148|kword||match||plid||slid||product|PL09959|pgrid|49729733449|ptaid|pla-840625068694|&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING-945762368-49729733449-PL09959&s_kwcid=AL!5616!3!491034912148!!!network}!840625068694!&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnrmlBhDHARIsADJ5b_kW1vtNdtcaPV0ZamVsFGeAeutHm9LD-YjdoZK8h4G_7hG8VE0jN3gaAnG-EALw_wcB
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: dannyboy on July 12, 2023, 09:32:24 PM
Thanks for that @emjaybee (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5604) but they are only two pins and do not have an earth.  :thumbsup: (I have a few of them kicking about).
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: zwilnik on July 12, 2023, 09:34:44 PM
The shaver adaptor ones are actually slightly smaller distance between the pins than Euro 2 pin plugs (although can be forced ;) ). But also only 2 pin rather than the 3 pin one Dannyboy's describing.

Something like this should do the trick...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/European-Adaptor-Adapter-Travel-Germany/dp/B0BLH9QXD5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=23EK0JJSPXFUT&keywords=euro+3+pin+to+uk&qid=1689193947&sprefix=euro+3+pin+to+uk%2Caps%2C401&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/European-Adaptor-Adapter-Travel-Germany/dp/B0BLH9QXD5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=23EK0JJSPXFUT&keywords=euro+3+pin+to+uk&qid=1689193947&sprefix=euro+3+pin+to+uk%2Caps%2C401&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1)

The difference between Euro 3 pin earthed plugs and UK ones is that generally they can go in either way up as usually there's an earth pin hole at the top and bottom of the socket.
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: dannyboy on July 12, 2023, 09:40:42 PM
That is one type I looked at @zwilnik (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=8) . Is the the bit of 'brass' seen at 'North' and 'South' the earth connector?
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: emjaybee on July 12, 2023, 09:46:42 PM
Quote from: dannyboy on July 12, 2023, 09:32:24 PM
Thanks for that @emjaybee (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5604) but they are only two pins and do not have an earth.  :thumbsup: (I have a few of them kicking about).

Oops, I really should read posts thoroughly rather than scan reading.

Cut the plug off, rewire.

I'm rather surprised it's not double insulated.
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: joe cassidy on July 12, 2023, 09:47:10 PM
You should be able to find an adaptor next time you go shopping in Eniskellin ?
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: zwilnik on July 19, 2023, 04:49:16 PM
Quote from: dannyboy on July 12, 2023, 09:40:42 PM
That is one type I looked at @zwilnik (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=8) . Is the the bit of 'brass' seen at 'North' and 'South' the earth connector?

That's right @dannyboy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=4209), the plug can be inserted either way up. the springy bits connect with earth contacts on either side of the plug.

pics of EU sockets and plug for reference..

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/8-180723103242.jpeg)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/8-180723103334.jpeg)
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: stevewalker on July 20, 2023, 08:10:37 PM
That socket strip is a type F, as Germany uses. The type without the strips and with an earth pin is a type E, as France uses. They used to each use separate matching plugs (strips on the German one and a hole on the French one), but the type F was revised to become a universal plug, with both strips and hole, allowing them to be used in both type E and type F sockets.
Title: Re: EU To UK Plug Convertor - Help Wanted
Post by: dannyboy on July 20, 2023, 08:21:13 PM
Thanks to all who have replied, it is appreciated.