The information I can find says that as long as the earth is central it doesn't matter which side the live is connected. I was just asking to see if anyone had any experience specific to this machine.
I think that's a trailing socket that fits onto the inlet position on the machine. The op can fit whatever suitable plug at the other end of the flex.unless I'm mistaken thats just a normal Euro plug......
where's he going to buy a socket in the UK.....he's located in Cornwall.....
That's unless he uses a nasty adaptor.....they the adaptors have printed on them (not for permenant use in the UK)...
happy to learn tho.....
I think that's a trailing socket that fits onto the inlet position on the machine. The op can fit whatever suitable plug at the other end of the flex.
I thought normal UK plugs were 13 amp. What does a UK 16 amp plug look like?That is correct. I had a normal uk 16amp plug fitted to the other end.
I thought normal UK plugs were 13 amp. What does a UK 16 amp plug look like?
What you show in your first pictures is a Shuko socket, what we sometimes call a "trailing socket", which fits on a cable. The Shuko "plug" is fixed on the machine.
The information you have been given is correct: the middle pin is "earth" or "ground" and the other two can be wired either way round, because Shuko plugs can be used either way round.
If you are wiring a new cable into your Shuko trailing socket, make sure the earth wire is slightly too long, so it has a little extra inside the connector. This is for safety: then, if the cable is pulled hard, the last wire to come loose will be the earth, meaning the case of the machine stays earthed. British "13A" plugs have space inside for a loop of earth wire for the same reason, although most home and DIY users don't realise this.
From memory, Shuko plugs have a higher (16A) rating than British domestic plugs (13A). Check the power requirements of the machine: the data label on it might say how much current it takes, but should always say how much power it uses (at 240V!), allowing you to work out how much current it takes using a simple variation of Ohm's law*:
Power (W) / Voltage (V) = Current (A)
If this is close to 13A you should be fine without needing the special 16A plug that you show in your other picture.
Make sure your "13A" plug has a 13A fuse in it!
If the machine needs more current, you might need a 16A socket, using the blue plug system you show. These should be installed by an electrician (you can wire the plug yourself!).
Hope that is easy to read.
E.
*To be exact, Ohm's law does not apply to this because it is a motor, but the answer from the simple equation above should be close enough for practical purposes.
Schuko plugs and CE plugs are UNFUSED.
Not saying you are wrong, but I've never seen one. I have seen a variety of adapters though, all of which involve a 13A fuse in the bit with 13A pins on it.You can plug a Schuko plug into a UK ring main via an unfused adapter
It's a good thing that most adapters these days ARE fused just as you describe them. Unfused travel type adapters are not uncommon though.Not saying you are wrong, but I've never seen one. I have seen a variety of adapters though, all of which involve a 13A fuse in the bit with 13A pins on it.
P'raps I ought to get out more...
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