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

[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

 

[Lucien Nunes]

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.

 

[The Ghost]

You can get an adaptor you put the two pin plug into. Or get a converter uk/us supply.
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/7839574/?grossPrice=Y

 

[Jimhunt100]

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.

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 !

 

[MDJ]

He told you mate, black is hot

 

[Jimhunt100]

You can get an adaptor you put the two pin plug into. Or get a converter uk/us supply.

Thanks for the reply. Do you mean like this ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/America-Ir...20519251&sr=8-1&keywords=2+pin+us+to+uk+3+pin

 

[Jimhunt100]

He told you mate, black is hot

So he did; my apologies !

 

[Squid]

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?

 

[Jimhunt100]

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?

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)

 

[Deleted member 105166]

By "mini computer", do you mean PC ? If there is an integral PSU I assume so.

 

[Jimhunt100]

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?

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

 

[MDJ]

looks like it does, I would not cut that off

 

[Squid]

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

View attachment 41236

Yes.

 

[Jimhunt100]

looks like it does, I would not cut that off

That's kinda what I thought ! Thanks for the reply !

 

[Squid]

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.