Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Ballardian on October 10, 2017, 02:12:18 AM
-
I've recently purchased an airbrush compressor from Germany (cheaper in this case) & am under the assumption that it'll work fine if I simply remove the two pin EU plug & replace it with a three pin (13 amp) UK one. I believe that it has the same three core cable as the UK (brown, blue & green/yellow) & operates on the same voltage. Am I wrong (in an expensive electrical pop way)?
As I understand it, the alternative is an EU-UK converter plug, but as that doesn't seem to have any magical properties beyond those of simply replacing the existing plug why wouldn't I do just that?
I'd be grateful if anyone can rid me of my appalling ignorance :'(
-
From the sources google tossed up, standard household current in both Germany and the UK is 230V @ 50Hz, so all you'd need is a UK-style replacement plug or a simple adapter, no transformer or other converter needed.
As to why such adapters exist, my understanding is that in the UK it's common for appliance plugs to be user installed (https://youtu.be/UEfP1OKKz_Q?t=1m36s) (common enough to be considered a basic household skill, and for replacement plugs to be readily at hand), but this isn't the case in other countries (It isn't in the US, where I live). So for a UKer the adapter would seem redundant, but in other countries not so much, hence the market for them.
-
It used to be common that you had to put the plugs on things yourself, but I haven't seen that in years, myself.
My PS4 is a German one, I just use an adapter plug.
-
Just be aware that there can be some issues with German air compressors.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ANbZsnjx9Q
-
it'll work fine if I simply remove the two pin EU plug & replace it with a three pin (13 amp) UK one. I
That will work.
-
Many thanks all, I'm now less worried about accidentaly frying the motor!
Ah Connectamabob, those were the days, when men were men & accidentaly blowing up small electrical appliances was a right of passage :D It's true that nowadays it'd be unusual to find an appliance that doesn't come with a plug attached, (I don't think I've seen such a thing in years) so sadly our household skills have atrophied along with those of the rest of the western world - hence my question.
there can be some issues with German air compressors.
lol
-
I am sorry for you, but in 2019 it will not be allowed to use it in the UK, because these compressors have no licence to work. It is a very sad fact ;)
-
I am sorry for you, but in 2019 it will not be allowed to use it in the UK
Join the Small Electrical Appliance underground now! We'll be safe then when our omniscient overlords decide to thin the surplus population by omitting the earth wire in appliances purchased by the inadequately wealthy >:D
-
Don't laugh, such things are probably covered by an EU standard.
-
Its ok the UK will still be paying back payments until 2022 at least whilst the political faf is dealt with, and all EU standards are fully transferred into English Standards..
I am sure you will be able to work it to death by then and get a proper certified and licensed for working in the Lonely Isle one shortly after...
I still have spare plugs in my electricy bits box... but as most stuff comes with kettle style leads now and have loads of those through work, well, not much call really.