Replacing US plug with UK one

[RichSimm]

Hi,

I've bought several table lamps that each power a 7w E12 bulb. They have US plugs and were sold to me with very dubious looking US>UK adapters. (I ordered online from Thailand and was promised UK fittings. I know, I know...) The connections are poor and the bulbs often go when switched on. I've had them so long now and the complexities of sending them all back, let alone the inevitable to and fro, means speaking to the maker isn't an option that I'm considering.

I want to replace the US plug/adapter combo with a 3 amp UK plug. Can I just cut the cord and rewire it? There will probably be no earth wire. Does that matter? Does the cord need any specific shielding if it has a UK plug on it?

Lots of info online is conflicting. I hope you can help. Thanks!

 

[Pete999]

Hi,

I've bought several table lamps that each power a 7w E12 bulb. They have US plugs and were sold to me with very dubious looking US>UK adapters. (I ordered online from Thailand and was promised UK fittings. I know, I know...) The connections are poor and the bulbs often go when switched on. I've had them so long now and the complexities of sending them all back, let alone the inevitable to and fro, means speaking to the maker isn't an option that I'm considering.

I want to replace the US plug/adapter combo with a 3 amp UK plug. Can I just cut the cord and rewire it? There will probably be no earth wire. Does that matter? Does the cord need any specific shielding if it has a UK plug on it?

Lots of info online is conflicting. I hope you can help. Thanks!

What voltage are these lamps you have ordered from Thailand?

 

[RichSimm]

Hi Pete999,
Their documentation says "Can be used in any country, handles 110 to 240v. Bulb included is 220v for EU/AU/UK."

 

[davesparks]

If it's built for the US then the cable and internal wiring may not be to an acceptable standard for UK use

 

[Pete999]

Hi Pete999,
Their documentation says "Can be used in any country, handles 110 to 240v. Bulb included is 220v for EU/AU/UK."

Are the old plugs you intend cutting off and replacing wit a UK type 13A plug top connected to any sort of transformer? can you post a picture of the existing?

 

[davesparks]

Are the old plugs you intend cutting off and replacing wit a UK type 13A plug top connected to any sort of transformer? can you post a picture of the existing?

Why would it need a transformer? It's just a lamp with a small ES lampholder

 

[Pete999]

Why would it need a transformer? It's just a lamp with a small ES lampholder

So you tell him to cut th existing plug top off and replace it with a UK one then Dave, just being ultra careful that's all.

 

[westward10]

He is already using an inferior adaptor which are prone to poor connection, cut it off and fit a plug.

 

[RichSimm]

The plug is this simple 2-pin one, fitting into an adapter that I presume has a 13amp fuse in it. Could be wrong...

 

[telectrix]

if the fitting does not require earthing, then fitting a BS1363 plug is not a problem.

 

[westward10]

That nasty looking adaptor does not look fused. Cut it off, fit a plug.

 

[Flanders]

The colours or Colors may be black and white in the cable not blue and brown , i think black is the live (hot) and white is the neutral (cold) but best check with others

 

[Flanders]

That nasty looking adaptor does not look fused. Cut it off, fit a plug.

Yes and those socket pins are far to close to the edge of the adapter for my liking , that adapters got to go

 

[RichSimm]

Great feedback, people! Thanks.

So I will cut the cords, discern live and neutral, add a 13 amp (?) fuse to a BS1363 plug and see if that works.

 

[Flanders]

I would put a 3 amp fuse in your new 13 amp plug top

 

[Flanders]

Just checking is light fitting made of metal if so it may need an earth that you don't currently have

 

[RichSimm]

I would put a 3 amp fuse in your new 13 amp plug top

Thanks Flanders. So 3 amp fuse instead of 13 amp.

Just checking is light fitting made of metal if so it may need an earth that you don't currently have

It's all made from plastic.

 

[Flanders]

Ok that good if plastic no earth required

 

[Lucien Nunes]

the bulbs often go when switched on

Low wattage filament lamps are like that. Can you fit LEDs?
Constructional standard may not be technically compliant with UK regs but at the moment the most dangerous thing by far is probably that nasty adaptor.

 

[davesparks]

So you tell him to cut th existing plug top off and replace it with a UK one then Dave, just being ultra careful that's all.

Calm down, I wasn't suggesting that as a sensible option, just asking why a transformer would be necessary for a table lamp?