Can I use something with a Europlug on it in the U.K.?

Question

Hi. I am bidding on a tabletop kiln on ebay from Germany. It has a europlug on it which is the 2 pin one I believe. The listing says 220Volts, 700 Watts. Will I be able to SAFELY use this in the UK. I don't want to use a travel adapter really so can a UK 3 pin plug be fitted to it, or is there another way. I would appreciate answers from an electrician if possible please. thanks

Thanks for great answers. Sorry for ignorance but what is an RCD? I've a feeling my electrician mentioned it (and presumably fitted one) to my outside workshop when he took the electrical supply to it just a few months ago.

Answer 1

Don't use an adaptor, just cut off the Europlug or Schuko plug, and fit a good quality (MK) 13 amp UK plug.

Answer 2

yeah you can get an adapter from Maplins, we import from Germany all the time and have a stack of these adapters lying around the place - you could consider cutting off the europlug and fitting a standard UK plug as you suggest. As long as it's 220V, it will be fine with a UK 240V supply. Although the plug is two-pin, there is a third connection for earthing (not a pin, but it IS there) - in fact this is a weak point with the adapters, and for a kiln, you should definately use a UK plug (and an RCD socket)
Hope this helps

Answer 3

I used to live in Germany and when I returned to the UK brought back most of my electrical stuff. I simply cut off the continental 2 pin plug and fitted a standard UK 3 pin plug instead and several years later everything is still working!
Good Luck!

Answer 4

All you need an adapter. I am German and live in London, so I found out when I brought all my stuff over. Works fine, no problems. I also changed the plug and fitted UK ones to my stereo and TV set - no problem neither.

Answer 5

yes. The eu and uk have standardised the voltages whithin the consumer power distribution network..

Answer 6

you need the adaptor as it corrects the voltage