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

 

[westward10]

There should be plate/label on it somewhere, take a pic and post on here. Click on "attach files" at the bottom of the message posting box to insert the pic.

 

[e auchterlonie]

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

sole plate 120v-60hz 1200w

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Then it cannot be used in the UK without a 1200W step-down transformer. It might not function correctly even with a transformer because of the lower frequency. If the fan has an AC motor it will run too slowly and the motor will get hotter than it should. I do not recommend using it in the UK. Do not fit an adaptor to the plug.

 

[e auchterlonie]

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.

flat with holes and rounded tips do not fit adapter i have for flat pin use

 

[e auchterlonie]

Then it cannot be used in the UK without a 1200W step-down transformer. It might not function correctly even with a transformer because of the lower frequency. If the fan has an AC motor it will run too slowly and the motor will get hotter than it should. I do not recommend using it in the UK. Do not fit an adaptor to the plug.

thankyou for that

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Sorry I can't be more positive or helpful, I guess you'll have to wait for the seller to reply. These days electronic goods are often globally compatible with any voltage or frequency. But items containing heating elements are usually single-voltage as it is uneconomical to make them multi-voltage compatible.

 

[e auchterlonie]

sole plate 120v-60hz 1200w

ben advised that not recomended for uk use as may get too hot. so may cancel atemt to use. thankyu for time

 

[e auchterlonie]

Sorry I can't be more positive or helpful, I guess you'll have to wait for the seller to reply. These days electronic goods are often globally compatible with any voltage or frequency. But items containing heating elements are usually single-voltage as it is uneconomical to make them multi-voltage compatible.

thanks for advice It helps me by not wasting any more of my time. regards

 

[Mike Johnson]

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

Check the back of the computer around where the fan outlet is sometimes there is a switch to change 110/230v.

 

[e auchterlonie]

Check the back of the computer around where the fan outlet is sometimes there is a switch to change 110/230v.

thankyou

 

[e auchterlonie]

Check the back of the computer around where the fan outlet is sometimes there is a switch to change 110/230v.

giving up on this thankyou