Wrong plug, suggestions?

parking_question_chap

Hi

I have recently purchased an item online, but they sent the wrong adapter. I really need to use it this week so dont really have time to send it back, await refund/get replacement.

It has a detatchable EU/US style AC adapter (input 100-240V and output 5V 1A).

Could I just purchase a UK 3pin 5V 1A adapter and use that? or isnt it that simple?

OR even a plug adapter? which would be cheaper.

Final option is the plug that I use to charge my toothbrush?


Any electrical experts online?

Thanks

esuhl

I'm no expert, but if the adaptor accepts 100-240V, then you could either cut the plug off and use a UK one, or use a plug adapter.

You should be able to use another power supply/transformer if you can get one that outputs the same voltage and current, but I always prefer to stick to the original where possible.

SouthUKMan

Hi. You don't say what the product is so it's difficult to offer 100% accurate advice. However from your description it sounds like what you have is a molded 'all in one' power adapter where the mains plug, transformer and output wire are all in one combined unit.

If this is the case, yes you could buy a replacement unit - making sure the output voltage, the polarity, the milliamps rating and the low voltage plug size all match. If you have a local Maplins store, then I think they sell some devices.

However, by far the quickest and cheapest option is to buy a mains plug adapter which converts your Euro or US style plug to UK 3 pin. Poundland often sell these. Failing that, Maplins again...or some supermarkets / hardware stores. This option also gives you the peace of mind that you are not causing any damage to your device by trying to power it incorrectly

parking_question_chap

Thanks


Its a 1 > 2 HDMI splitter.

Are all plug adapters the same? or is there any kind of quality certification or British Standard?

Just want to make sure its all safe.

esuhl

What do you mean by a "plug adaptor"? You mean the little boxes that convert one region's plug socket to another's? If so, yes they're pretty much the same, but they do have a British Standard. (Lots of cheap imported electronic products come with illegal power supplies/adaptors.)

http://www.bs1363.org.uk/html/adaptors.html

parking_question_chap

Update

Just had a look at the back of the power supply and it states 100-240v and 50/60hz. So it seems compatible with both UK and US mains power, therefore I would just need a travel adapter.

I meant are there any standards for travel adapters? They seem to be anwhere from £1 to £5.

The product isnt a cheapo from China, so hopefully the power supply is fine. Though it doesnt have a fuse, is this normal on EU/US devices?

System

Cut the plug off, wire on a UK three pin plug. By the time you've fannied around trying to decide which travel adapter to get you could have bought a 3 pin plug from your local quid shop and wired it up. If you're unsure on how to fit a 3 pin plug find someone who is over 50. Knowing how to wire up a 3 pin plug is one of the only advantages with anything electrical us old farts still have over kids of today.

parking_question_chap

Tarambor wrote: »

Cut the plug off, wire on a UK three pin plug. By the time you've fannied around trying to decide which travel adapter to get you could have bought a 3 pin plug from your local quid shop and wired it up. If you're unsure on how to fit a 3 pin plug find someone who is over 50. Knowing how to wire up a 3 pin plug is one of the only advantages with anything electrical us old farts still have over kids of today.

Its not an easy swap over, the power supply gubbins (I dont know the technical term) is all built in.

Google "DC 5V power supply" in images. And you will see what I mean.

stator

Yes you could use a travel adapter.
Yes you could use a 'universal' type power adapter that you buy and swap the end with the plug until you find the one that fits. You have to make sure you get the tip correct, whether it is + or -. As long as the output voltage is the same and the current is the same or greater on the new adapter you should be ok

societys_child

"All built in"? do you mean a wall wart

If so you need one of these adaptors

Available everywhere. Someone mentioned Pound Shop earlier . .
Also Boots, Tesco, Argos, Wilkos, etc

Edit:

Final option is the plug that I use to charge my toothbrush?

sounds like the same thing does the thing you've bought fit it?

parking_question_chap

Cheers all.

Will head to Wilkos or Argos today as they are probably closest, and report back.