America fridge freezer power plug plug

itssmallstuff

So, saw LG American fridge freezer on marketplace... Sellers said it's 6 years old. Was kept it container for 9 months ..

I interpreted that as it was kept in storage between house moves.

Anyhow, I've bought it now

After bringing it home noticed it's an import from South Africa. So has a type M(3 round pins) power plug. 

I would need a permanent power adapter in a dedicated wall socket to use this.

South Africa 3 Pin Large Plug Type M Adapter Convert to 3 Pin UK Socket, BS 8546 Approved, 13A Fuse with Safety Shutter (1 Piece White) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081V9BDFF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_1Q9KEJA8FY09TZ7Z42E1

Please help..

casper_gutman

I wouldn't use an adaptor as a permanent solution. I'd just remove the plug (cut it off if it's moulded on) and connect a proper UK plug instead. They cost less than £2. Buy one with the appropriate size fuse.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004I5BQ5G

Section62

itssmallstuff said:

After bringing it home noticed it's an import from South Africa. So has a type M(3 round pins) power plug. 

Before doing anything else check the specification plate/sticker to make absolutely sure it is suitable for use on the UK mains supply - i.e. 230v @ 50Hz.

Then fit a UK 13A plug as casper_gutman suggests. Make sure the old plug is disposed of safely.

itssmallstuff

The moulded power plug says 16Amp

Where do I find a plug with 16a fuse?

itssmallstuff

Section62 said:

itssmallstuff said:

After bringing it home noticed it's an import from South Africa. So has a type M(3 round pins) power plug. 

Before doing anything else check the specification plate/sticker to make absolutely sure it is suitable for use on the UK mains supply - i.e. 230v @ 50Hz.

Then fit a UK 13A plug as casper_gutman suggests. Make sure the old plug is disposed of safely.

That's the original plug...

grumbler

Just use a UK plug with 13A fuse. A domestic fridge cannot consume more than 13A

Section62

itssmallstuff said:

Section62 said:

itssmallstuff said:

After bringing it home noticed it's an import from South Africa. So has a type M(3 round pins) power plug. 

Before doing anything else check the specification plate/sticker to make absolutely sure it is suitable for use on the UK mains supply - i.e. 230v @ 50Hz.

Then fit a UK 13A plug as casper_gutman suggests. Make sure the old plug is disposed of safely.

That's the original plug...

Ignore the plug, find out what it says on the specification plate/sticker.  It is likely to either be on the back of the fridge, or somewhere on the interior around the door area.

Section62

grumbler said:

A domestic fridge cannot consume more than 13A

Possibly, but fridge/freezer compressors usually include a chunky motor with a high current demand when starting.  It's more a case of whether the transient start-up current can be handled by a 13A BS1362 fuse.

It could be borderline, especially for an appliance designed for a market which doesn't use plugtop fuses.

GDB2222

Section62 said:

grumbler said:

A domestic fridge cannot consume more than 13A

Possibly, but fridge/freezer compressors usually include a chunky motor with a high current demand when starting.  It's more a case of whether the transient start-up current can be handled by a 13A BS1362 fuse.

It could be borderline, especially for an appliance designed for a market which doesn't use plugtop fuses.

A 13 amp fuse won’t blow as soon as the current reaches 13 amps. Take a look here 

https://www.pat-testing-training.net/articles/fuse-operation-characteristics.php

It looks like most of them will take 20 amps more or less indefinitely. 

Section62

GDB2222 said:

Section62 said:

grumbler said:

A domestic fridge cannot consume more than 13A

Possibly, but fridge/freezer compressors usually include a chunky motor with a high current demand when starting.  It's more a case of whether the transient start-up current can be handled by a 13A BS1362 fuse.

It could be borderline, especially for an appliance designed for a market which doesn't use plugtop fuses.

A 13 amp fuse won’t blow as soon as the current reaches 13 amps. Take a look here 

https://www.pat-testing-training.net/articles/fuse-operation-characteristics.php

It looks like most of them will take 20 amps more or less indefinitely. 

Yup, the point was that the current draw could exceed 13A, and whether or not a 13A fuse will be suitable depends on the start-up characteristics of the compressor motor.  It could be fine, or it could pop 13A fuses like firecrackers.  The OP will soon find out which it is.

casper_gutman

As others have said, check the documentation for the fridge, or the rating plate on the back. You're looking to see the maximum current stated therein amps (A), or failing that the power rating in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). I suspect the current will be less than 13A and the power will sure as hell not exceed 3 kW (= 230 V * 13 A), so you'll be okay.

Don't worry about the fact the old plug was rated for 16A. The plugs are standard for a particular electrical system, and their maximum ratings won't be closely matched to the appliances they're used with. I have a desk lamp here which draws about 0.02 A and uses a 13 A plug....