How can I safely use a German coffee machine in the UK?

[Mexico14]

Could any help with my query please? I bought a coffee machine but it come with a German plug, can this be used safely in the UK? It works with the adapter pictured. However shouldn't a coffee machine be earthed? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[DPG]

Voltage and frequency look fine. However, I would fit a proper UK plugtop rather than use an adaptor.

 

[snowhead]

As above, best solution is a U.K 13amp plug.
But if not then it needs a proper 13amp to Schuko adapter that carries the earth through, not a travel adapter.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/ampTECH-Plug-Adapter-Converter-Netherlands/dp/B07MWGRLQT

 

[Paul L]

There are different adaptors you can buy that will incorporate the plug on the appliance which will give you your earth connection, check European adaptors on Amazon etc. (other companies are available) I'm mostly loath to use adaptors on slightly higher rated appliances but might be the only way around it because cutting the plug off and fitting a UK 3 pin one will almost certainly invalidate the manufacturers warranty.

Make sure you buy a top quality adaptor if that's what you are going to do as there is an awful lot of cheap inferior quality stuff out there. Always get a fused type.

 

[DPG]

There are different adaptors you can buy that will incorporate the plug on the appliance which will give you your earth connection, check European adaptors on Amazon etc. (other companies are available) I'm mostly loath to use adaptors on slightly higher rated appliances but might be the only way around it because cutting the plug off and fitting a UK 3 pin one will almost certainly invalidate the manufacturers warranty.

Make sure you buy a top quality adaptor if that's what you are going to do as there is an awful lot of cheap inferior quality stuff out there. Always get a fused type.

The warranty will not be void if you change the mains plug.

What would you do if the plug got damaged? Throw the machine in the bin??

Many appliances even have a section on how a replacement plug should be wired if it is changed.

 

[Mexico14]

Thanks for the replies. Really helpful. Until I obtain an adapter or fit a UK plug is it considered dangerous to use? I understand that not every county uses an earth on their sockets for example USA.



One more thing what is the polarity on this plug? Same as UK or could it still be "live" when switched off?

 

[DPG]

Thanks for the replies. Really helpful. Until I obtain an adapter or fit a UK plug is it considered dangerous to use? I understand that not every county uses an earth on their sockets for example USA.



One more thing what is the polarity on this plug? Same as UK or could it still be "live" when switched off?

If it needs an earth then DO NOT use it without one.

 

[Mexico14]

Where can I find out if an earth is needed? There's a metal contact and female socket on the plug itself. If they use the same system as the UK - ie a plastic prong in the earth position of low current items like phone chargers for example. If it didn't require an earth, presumably there wouldn't be metal earth contacts?

 

[DPG]

Where can I find out if an earth is needed? There's a metal contact and female socket on the plug itself. If they use the same system as the UK - ie a plastic prong in the earth position of low current items like phone chargers for example. If it didn't require an earth, presumably there wouldn't be metal earth contacts?

Check the manual. Contact the company maybe. If it's a 3 core flex then it will be earthed, although that's tricky to tell with a moulded plug fitted.

Update: I just checked the manual on line and it mentions earthing. So do not use it without the earth connected.

Do you have a multimeter? Worth checking resistance from the earth contact on the plug to the metalwork if the machine.

 

[Mike Johnson]

One problem with most adaptors is that the Live and Neutral are reversed when you plug it into the adaptor, because the 13amp plug fits in upside down, therefore the fuse in the 13amp plug is on the Neutral side.

 

[Avo Mk8]

I believe this is the sort of adapter you need, which has earth contacts top and bottom for the schuko plug, and also keeps the L & N connections the right way round:
https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/9680-black/schuko-to-uk-travel-adaptor-black/dp/PL12943?mckv=sFEwOwUpE_dc|pcrid|224693624806|kword||match||plid||slid||product|PL12943|pgrid|43783381821|ptaid|pla-371267398063|&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIntKpoKqv7AIVFbd3Ch3PXwAMEAQYASABEgIMNvD_BwE

 

[Mike Johnson]

Are you sure, the earth contact for the German plug is at the bottom and the earth contact on the other side of the adaptor is at the top.

 

[Midwest]

The warranty will not be void if you change the mains plug.

What would you do if the plug got damaged? Throw the machine in the bin??

Many appliances even have a section on how a replacement plug should be wired if it is changed.

Check out my thread of some time ago, #1 cutting off moulded plug tops , OP would need to employ qualified electrician, or the warranty might be voided.

Where don't you speak to Bosch technical, they might be able to provide a new lead & plug for UK use. It might have to be replaced by a service centre, if you do have any warranty, you want to rely on.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Are you sure, the earth contact for the German plug is at the bottom and the earth contact on the other side of the adaptor is at the top.

Unless I'm going round the bend, both the schuko plug on the appliance and the socket of the adaptor have earth contacts at both top and bottom.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Unless I'm going round the bend, both the schuko plug on the appliance and the socket of the adaptor have earth contacts at both top and bottom.

Ok, so you COULD plug it in upside-down, but you can plug it in the right way up!