US plug? UPDATE, ITS ARRIVED

MrsE_2

Myser wrote: »

I have found that those grey ones become loose after a while and don't hold the plug in securely.

The other option is to look for a US to Australian adaptor. If your shaver socket can also accomodate Australian plugs (slanted pins) it might stay in more securely than a 2-pin Euro adaptor.

I dont know if it would accommodate an aussie plug.

What are the thicker end type of us plugs called? Because they are different to standard us plugs aren't they. I could put that in on ebay or amazon or even google.

Myser

MrsE wrote: »

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/US-UK-AU-Universal-Adapter-to-EU-AC-Power-Euro-Plug-Travel-2-pin-Converter-White-/400493355429?pt=UK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL&hash=item5d3f43a1a5

Do you think this one will fit the funny us plug?

Yes most likely but see my comment above about the grey travel adaptors. After a while the plug may work loose and slip out. Also, I don't think they are the safest design.

Myser

MrsE wrote: »

I dont know if it would accommodate an aussie plug.

What are the thicker end type of us plugs called? Because they are different to standard us plugs aren't they. I could put that in on ebay or amazon or even google.

Sorry, ignore my comment about the Australian plugs. Just realised that they use 230V. You might see slanted cut-outs on the 230V side output on the shaver socket. See the picture in this post:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=61186833&postcount=16

It's not so much the plug pin being thicker which is the problem. One of them will be higher which is most likely causing the problem. It probably is more common now in the US to have those plugs so that live and neutral can only be connected to the appliance the correct way round.

Myser

If you feel comfortable doing so, you could cut off the US plug and wire a 2-pin Euro plug instead:

http://www.euronetwork.co.uk/europlug-2pin-rewirable-cee716#.UZvTX8p2M_x

However, there is a reason why the plug on your charger pod is polarised and you should ensure that live and neutral are connected to the correct wires (pins) for safety.

MrsE_2

Myser wrote: »

If you feel comfortable doing so, you could cut off the US plug and wire a 2-pin Euro plug instead:

http://www.euronetwork.co.uk/europlug-2pin-rewirable-cee716#.UZvTX8p2M_x

However, there is a reason why the plug on your charger pod is polarised and you should ensure that live and neutral are connected to the correct wires (pins) for safety.

I would be comfortable doing it on a uk plug.

If I was connecting it to a round 2 pin plug then live & netural would be identical. Even if I marked live, how would I know which way up it went in the socket?

Myser

MrsE wrote: »

I would be comfortable doing it on a uk plug.

If I was connecting it to a round 2 pin plug then live & netural would be identical. Even if I marked live, how would I know which way up it went in the socket?

Doesn't matter which way you wire the 2-pin plug but, you should connect the wire/pin intended for live and neutral respectively to the correct side on your socket. This might be difficult to identify as the shaver socket won't be marked. However, as your shaver socket is likely to have an isolating transformer behind, it shouldn't really matter which way the plug goes in.

The 2-pin rewireable plug in the link is a crimp-type so you will need something to crimp the wire connections. A pair of strong pliers may work. There are ones with screw terminals but they seem to be a bit more bulkier.

TimBuckTeeth

It would not normally be recommended, but filing the wider pin would be the safest option in this case.
A euro plug should not be fitted as it is easy to plug into a 230V outlet, either on the shaver socket or elsewhere and could be a fire risk.
Shaver outlets have an isolation transformer inside, so there is not a live and neutral as such and the polarity is not important.
It is best to keep the moulded plug as it is sealed. It is not a good idea to fit a rewireable plug or use an adaptor in the bathroom due to humidity and water splashes.

MrsE_2

TimBuckTeeth wrote: »

It would not normally be recommended, but filing the wider pin would be the safest option in this case.
A euro plug should not be fitted as it is easy to plug into a 230V outlet, either on the shaver socket or elsewhere and could be a fire risk.
Shaver outlets have an isolation transformer inside, so there is not a live and neutral as such and the polarity is not important.
It is best to keep the moulded plug as it is sealed. It is not a good idea to fit a rewireable plug or use an adaptor in the bathroom due to humidity and water splashes.

OK, could I take it to a key cutter & ask them to file it do you think?

lstar337

MrsE wrote: »

OK, could I take it to a key cutter & ask them to file it do you think?

I doubt they would do it. They would be responsible if you died from using a plug modified for a purpose it wasn't intended for.

MrsE_2

lstar337 wrote: »

I doubt they would do it. They would be responsible if you died from using a plug modified for a purpose it wasn't intended for.

I have no idea or skills to file it.

I purchased an adaptor - hopefully when it arrives it will fit.