Replacing US plug with UK one

[RichSimm]

Hi,

I've bought several table lamps that each power a 7w E12 bulb. They have US plugs and were sold to me with very dubious looking US>UK adapters. (I ordered online from Thailand and was promised UK fittings. I know, I know...) The connections are poor and the bulbs often go when switched on. I've had them so long now and the complexities of sending them all back, let alone the inevitable to and fro, means speaking to the maker isn't an option that I'm considering.

I want to replace the US plug/adapter combo with a 3 amp UK plug. Can I just cut the cord and rewire it? There will probably be no earth wire. Does that matter? Does the cord need any specific shielding if it has a UK plug on it?

Lots of info online is conflicting. I hope you can help. Thanks!

 

[Flanders]

Just checking is light fitting made of metal if so it may need an earth that you don't currently have

 

[RichSimm]

I would put a 3 amp fuse in your new 13 amp plug top

Thanks Flanders. So 3 amp fuse instead of 13 amp.

Just checking is light fitting made of metal if so it may need an earth that you don't currently have

It's all made from plastic.

 

[Flanders]

Ok that good if plastic no earth required

 

[Lucien Nunes]

the bulbs often go when switched on

Low wattage filament lamps are like that. Can you fit LEDs?
Constructional standard may not be technically compliant with UK regs but at the moment the most dangerous thing by far is probably that nasty adaptor.

 

[davesparks]

So you tell him to cut th existing plug top off and replace it with a UK one then Dave, just being ultra careful that's all.

Calm down, I wasn't suggesting that as a sensible option, just asking why a transformer would be necessary for a table lamp?

 

[Pete999]

Calm down, I wasn't suggesting that as a sensible option, just asking why a transformer would be necessary for a table lamp?

Sorry Dave had a bad day

 

[KennyKen]

Can confirm Flanders. Black is the hot wire And white is the neutral.

 

[RichSimm]

Result:
I replaced the US plugs with 3 amp UK ones (interestingly the wires were blue and brown anyway) and all works well. I've also ordered some LEDs for good measure.

Thanks a lot for all your help.

 

[norcal]

How hard would it be to replace the lampholder, & cord / plug assembly to ones that comply with local standard(s)?

 

[Taylortwocities]

How hard would it be to replace the lampholder, & cord / plug assembly to ones that comply with local standard(s)?

Easier to buy some UK ones

 

[Acorn89]

Are the old plugs you intend cutting off and replacing wit a UK type 13A plug top connected to any sort of transformer? can you post a picture of the existing?

Pete, I am trying to do exactly what you just above. Trying to replace a broken 3 prong plug on a step up step down transformer to a type g plug to use in the UK. Do you think I should not do that?

 

[norcal]

Easier to buy some UK ones

While this reply is a little late, that is what I meant by ones that comply with local standards, the biggest problem would be threads, most US lampholders use a 1/8' NPT thread.

 

[telectrix]

Pete, I am trying to do exactly what you just above. Trying to replace a broken 3 prong plug on a step up step down transformer to a type g plug to use in the UK. Do you think I should not do that?

need to know what you have and the voltage/frequency of the equipment. a pic would help.

 

[Acorn89]

Here is a picture of my transformer with broken US plug. I am planning to cut it off and rewire a 13 A uk type g plug with 3a fuse to it as shown on the side. The power rating on this transformer is 5000w but I don’t plan to use more than 2500w with appliances like rice cooker, tv and blender ( ( not more than two of them at any given time)

Let me know if that should be okay

 

[Acorn89]

need to know what you have and the voltage/frequency of the equipment. a pic would help.

Here is a picture of my transformer with broken US plug. I am planning to cut it off and rewire a 13 A uk type g plug with 3a fuse to it as shown on the side. The power rating on this transformer is 5000w but I don’t plan to use more than 2500w with appliances like rice cooker, tv and blender ( ( not more than two of them at any given time).let me know if it is okay