Using two pin EU plug in Ireland for long term use

unimaginativeusername

Hi there,

I purchased a lamp that has come with a European two pin plug although I was assured it would come with a UK/ROI plug. Is it safe to use it on a long term basis with a EU to UK adaptor or would it be better to rewire it?

Thanks,

K

Ubbquittious

Be grand.

griffdaddy

Just jam it in there by pressing in the earth part of the socket with a pen lid or something. No need for an adaptor

cml387

Ignore the advice above and get a proper adapter. Jamming it into the square socket is not making a proper connection, nor should you be sticking things into the earth plug (and with some sockets you can't open the mains/neutral connections that way.)

magicbastarder

less hassle in the long run to put a british plug on, certainly.

and as mentioned, you're not getting a great electrical connection anyway.

unimaginativeusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119045848#Comment_119045848

Thank you. Would never have done the above anyway! If an EU/UK adaptor is safe for long term use, I'll go with that.

L1011

Jut to check - is it definitely two pin and not a type with an odd earth connection (french male pin in socket / schucko spring side contact)?

Two pin in a decent quality adapter is fine; any earthed type either needs an adapter that handles earth - often massive - or replace the plug. Most normal adapters do not handle earth

Irish-European adapters often do, because it doesn't make them any bulkier.

unimaginativeusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119047071#Comment_119047071

Thanks for this reply! Yes it’s the EU two pin plug - I googled the others you mentioned and they don’t match. It’s not my exact plug but I have an image of the two pin plug that it looks like below.

I know travel adapters often say they are for temporary use and it sounds like you’re saying the same but that there are some adapters that are suitable. That’s a good start at least - thank you for the comprehensive reply!

macvin

This is what you need

https://ie.farnell.com/powerconnections/fcp-bk-5a/converter-plug-european-black/dp/3530941

Probably get it in electrical wholesalers like kellihers (open to everyone)

Car99

I never knew that existed. Thanks.

macvin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119048363#Comment_119048363

You'd be surprised at how many small electrical items have it already fitted. Mainly lamps and things like phone chargers (Sony)

harmless

Yeah that's a good adaptor as it's fused some of the cheaper ones are not fused.

salmocab

Change it for a standard 13amp plug top. It’s a 5 minute job for a novice, if you haven’t the ability/tools there is definitely someone you know that can.

unimaginativeusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119048330#Comment_119048330

Thank you! I had seen those online earlier and was looking at some other adapters as well but it’s hard to know what’s the right thing and of course, safe!

GalwayMan74

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119048405#Comment_119048405

Lamp should have a 3amp fuse fitted