Melting adaptors in Mauritius

Electrically n · Jul 19, 2019

Hi people, I recently moved to Mauritius which has a UK 3-pin plug system, however the vast majority of appliances on the market are imported from Europe and therefore have European 2 pin plugs on them. As a result everyone here runs all their appliances on block plug adaptors and extension cords (silly I know)! Up to last week I hadn't had a problem but I just bought a small Rowenta space heater (yes it can get a little chilly in the winter!) and since then it has melted 4 of these plug adaptors (see pic). In none of these melt instances had the heater been running for a long time. So, does this suggest there is something wrong with the new space heater, or is it just not safe to run them on an adapter like this? Can I simply cut off the Euro 2 pin and wire on a 3-pin? All advice gratefully received!

Sintra · Jul 19, 2019

Wouldn’t trust those cheap Chinese adaptors. Much better to install a fused 3 pin plug to your heater.

Bobster · Jul 19, 2019

It shouldn't be an issue using an adapter with a heater.

I don't see any CE markings on that adapter. An the way the pin has deformed suggest a poor quality product.

Is this a multi way adapter? Have you other items plugged into it?

Electrically n · Jul 19, 2019

Thanks for the comments. All of them were multi way adapters but nothing else was plugged in at the time they melted. Sounds like you are both suggesting that the adapters might be to blame. It can be hard to find high quality supplies here but I'll see if I can track down something with a safety mark on it and give that a try.

Rob said:
It shouldn't be an issue using an adapter with a heater.

I don't see any CE markings on that adapter. An the way the pin has deformed suggest a poor quality product.

Is this a multi way adapter? Have you other items plugged into it?