We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Please tell me what adapter I need (German 250v to UK )
Brian_Pamo
Posts: 124 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
Hi all
For over 5 years I have been searching EBay for a very specific old laptop. At last I finally found 1 in Germany and I have purchased it. However it has come with a 2 prong power lead. Obviously I need to plug it in to a UK 3 prong wall socket. What is the cheapest way of remedying my problem?
For over 5 years I have been searching EBay for a very specific old laptop. At last I finally found 1 in Germany and I have purchased it. However it has come with a 2 prong power lead. Obviously I need to plug it in to a UK 3 prong wall socket. What is the cheapest way of remedying my problem?
Do I buy a new lead/cable or do I buy a wall adapter.
The actual cable has written on it
XD-001-B
The lead is:
I know this might be a bit obvious to some people but I’m a bit baffled with the 250v thingy and given how long I have waited to get hold of this machine I can’t take any chances.
The actual cable has written on it
XD-001-B
The lead is:
No: | XD-001-B |
Name: | IEC Output Plug |
Rated current: | 2.5A |
Rated voltage: | 250V |
The actual transformer brick has a crack in it so I am open to buying a whole new brick etc if required but there would be no point in buying another foreign one would there?.
The transformer brick has the following info written on it:
Compaq AC Adapter
Series: PPP012L
PA-1900-05C1
Compaq AC Adapter
Series: PPP012L
PA-1900-05C1
0
Comments
-
Just to add...I know I can go on eBay and buy a totally new brick but a lot of the come
without the Power lead (from the wall to the brick) and it seems a shame to throw this one in landfill when I may only need an extra piece.0 -
I don't think you will need a voltage transformer.You need a power cable with a BS 1363 (UK Standard) 3-pin plug on one end, and on the other either a:
- IEC C5 connector (this mickey mouse style one)
- IEC C7 connector (the infinity symbol style one)
A dream is not reality, but who's to say which is which?0 -
You want to start with a UK lead that has the same end at the brick as the current lead - IEC makes me think it is a common kettle plug and you may have one around already. The crack in the brick would make me treat it with caution.
But a banker, engaged at enormous expense,Had the whole of their cash in his care.
Lewis Carroll1 -
The reason I want to spend as less as possible is because I am only using this brick whilst I wipe it and install very unique/specific software on it. When I have done that I can literally dispose of this transformer because there is already a working (UK) in place at work but it is buried under the machine this laptop runs. Basically, I have the laptop here at home. I’m installing some specific machine software on it and then mothballing the machine in case the exact same laptop (at work) ever breaks down. Then it’s just a case of swapping this laptop (I just bought from Germany) for the other one which as I said already has a power brick (buried).Also, the 3 pin connection socket on the brick is not a standard kettle style. It’s 3 pins in a triangle formation. I’m wondering what this is called?0
-
Yes. The user Coastinghatbox has just got it. It appears it’s called an IEC C5 or a Mickey Mouse. Thank you for that.All I need now is to buy a cable as:
UK 3 pin at one end. Mickey Mouse at the other. I would never have known that so good job I came here.Thank you.0 -
Well each to his/her own but what I would do is cut off the plug and replace it with a UK three-pronged plug.
the plugs cost approx £1 at Poundland - you may even have one at home.4 -
As @jsmith9 mentioned, if you are confident at wiring a plug then just replace the SCHUKO German one or buy an adapter like this and use a standard C13 lead:As you are trying to keep costs to a minimum a C5 to UK plug lead would cost more:If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button!
1 -
Even better... I can easily wire a plug. I’ll do that! Great advice guys...0
-
if a standard EU plug then a simple travel adapter
Wilko Visitor to UK Travel Adaptor | Wilko
Or you can get a full Socket adapter if you need it earthed.
0 -
The 250V is just the maximum rated voltage for the plug. The actual voltage is use will be lower. In mainland Europe the supply is usually 220V, in the UK usually 240, but the standards allow a tolerance such that the same devices can be used.
0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352.2K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.3K Spending & Discounts
- 245.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 601K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.5K Life & Family
- 259.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards