Eu To Uk Wiring

[ArthurMc]

Hello,

I have seen that there is another older query on another thread about rewiring plugs from EU 2pin to UK 3pin. The general consensus seems to be that so long as the product does not use much water then smply using a UK 3pin plug is fine just missing out the Earth

The products mentioned on this other thread all seem to be smaller appliances. I was just wondering if this is the same for a larger fridge freezer that we are getting from family in Europe.

Can we just cut the old plug off and wire it to a UK 3pin, or could we even just use an adaptor?

Also would there be anything else to think about such as voltage etc?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[Andy™]

voltage isnt a problem. neither is changing the plug, however if it needs an earth then it must have one. fridges etc almost always need an earth.

appliance using water or not has nothing to do with it

 

[ArthurMc]

Ah thanks for the reply, would we have to replace the whole cable then?

 

[Andy™]

check the appliance / instructions to see if its class 1 or 2

 

[Blue Duck]

Thought euro plugs had earth connections just not pointy ones that hurt your feet if you tread on one!

A 2 pin appliance should be Le class II if not it would have ze earth

 

[Andy™]

is that a mix of english, french & german in 1 sentence?!

 

[Lurch]

Thought euro plugs had earth connections just not pointy ones that hurt your feet if you tread on one!

They do, but you can still get 2 or 3 pin plugs so it could still be either. The Euro 2 pin plug is pretty much a shaver plug.

 

[steptoe]

is that a mix of english, french & german in 1 sentence?!

its harmonised euro speak,

in keeping with the regs.

 

[Blue Duck]

Haven't been on holiday in a while

 

[Sharpend]

its harmonised euro speak,

in keeping with the regs.

:slap :slap :Applaud

 

[ArthurMc]

Hiya,

Thanks for all the info. Would it be easier, or possible, just to an EU to UK adaptor?

 

[roys]

Those adaptors tend to be pretty flimsy, I would tend to fit a UK plug to it, if you are not sure, keep asking on here with more details on the equipment or even get a local spark to have a quick look at it, where in Scotland are you?

 

[Lurch]

Thanks for all the info. Would it be easier, or possible, just to an EU to UK adaptor?

Possibly, some of the cheap ones are complete garbage and some of the reasonable ones I probably still wouldn't use on anything beyond a small load. I would probably just stick a new plug on it.

 

[apprentice87]

Hi there,

If the fridge in question needs an earth, then there will ALREADY be three wires in the cable, if it does not, then there will only be two. As has been pointed out, a fridge will almost certainly need an earth, therefore, unless some idiot has changed the mains cable in the past, it will be a three core cable. Just chop off the euro plug and fit a british one.

Read the makers instructions first, and try to post them on here if you can. Most of all, if in any doubt whatsoever, get a proper electrician.....

john...

 

[Evans Electric]

ArthurMc ,  as said above , if it needs an earth  it will have a 3 core flex , cut off plug ...fit UK one .      Stuff that doesn't need an earth should be marked Class 2   and have a symbol you may have seen ....a square within a square .

And the flex SHOULD be the same colours as ours .