US plugged appliance - safe to use in UK?

tigs78

I was just reading another thread and it talked about the possibility of using an appliance with a plug adapter and whether or not it would be safe.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=313775

It's got me worried, I have got a pet water fountain with a US plug on and have been using it with a travel adaptor here in the UK. On the US plug it says PRI 230v ~ 50Hz and SEC 12v ~200mA 2.4VA.

Is it safe to use this?

Thanks for any thoughts...

Zahc

At the risk of starting a raging debate, I'd say it's OK as long as the plug isn't somewhere close to water. US plugs don't have an earth connection, but it sounds as if your set up goes to a transformer with a low voltage and current output so your pets shouldn't get frazzled!

Zahc

Alfie_E

tigs78 wrote:

PRI 230v ~ 50Hz

That’s a description of the mains for the UK and Europe.

As you haven’t mentioned that it also gives a description of the US mains, are you sure it’s a US plug? The prongs on a US plug are flat, although they can also have a round earth pin. Continental European countries use plugs with two round pins. They’re the same as what we, in the UK, use for shaver points. If the plug also has an earth connector, it’s that that varies. The position in the plug can vary, or the pin can be in the socket, with the plug having a hole for it, or it can be two connectors on the side of the socket (European sockets are recessed).

As Zahc states, it goes through a transformer to a low safe voltage. For this reason, you wouldn’t expect an earth connection to be used with a transformer.

tigs78

It's got two round pins Is is still safe to use?

Zahc

tigs78 wrote:

It's got two round pins Is is still safe to use?

Yes, for the same reasons as above.

Zahc

tigs78

Zahc wrote:

...so your pets shouldn't get frazzled!

Zahc

Thanks, was having disturbing visions!

Zahc

tigs78 wrote:

Thanks, was having disturbing visions!

Too much red wine in my experience..........

Zahc