German cooker hood use in UK

[JohnW2]

in case the OP hasn't worked it out, you can cut off the plug and either wire in a standard plug, or simply connect directly to a suitable fused connection unit.

Hopefully he won't have needed to 'work it out' for himself, given that, back on page 2 (now of 6!), I wrote to him ...

They may differ from opinions you've received from elsewhere, but I think that everyone here would probably agree that you should cut off the plug and connect either a UK 13A plug or wire it directly into a FCU.

Kind Regards, John

 

[eveares]

Ah, ok. I was thinking of a switch for each socket like in the UK.

Lookie what I found: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/extension-leads-cable-reels/7685412/

 

[bernardgreen]

Lookie what I found:

But what type of plug is fitted at the end of the lead. Is it a GB 13amp plug ?

 

[FrodoOne]

This is an interesting thread which has now been going on for several days.

I do not now wish to comment on many of the points which have been expressed over this period but I do wish to bring to the attention of all concerned that somewhere, somehow in the electrical industry there appears to have been a change in the English Nomenclature concerning "Electrical Sockets" but from what "Authority" this comes I know not. (Perhaps it may be the IEC but I have not found any document supporting this contention.)

It seems that the "standard" term for these devices is now "Socket Outlet".
For a "reference" to this, please see https://www.legrand.com/sites/defau...olutions/Guide_International_standards_EN.pdf, which is also interesting for its comprehensive nature concerning "International electrical standards & regulations".
(However, I note that information concerning Australia/NZ, India and South Africa is poor on this site. This may be because Legrand does not sell products into these countries.)

One should also note that the Glossary (https://www.clipsal.com/Trade/Support/FAQ-Base/Glossary) uses the term "Socket Outlet", as does the AS/NZS 3000-2019 Wiring Rules.

Might I suggest that a check of the current wiring rules in the UK for the use of this term may be of interest?

 

[pyounger]

They may well 'try', but it's such a daft argument that I don't think the law would agree.

Whether the warranty of this apparently German-manufactured product, bought from a German supplier, actually applies in the UK is perhaps a different question.

Kind Regards, John

I have questioned that, and they tell me that the warranty is good (so got that in writing!). I think it may be a valid point that maybe in Germany it would invalidate the warranty if I removed the plug, hence why they told me not to.

 

[JohnW2]

I have questioned that, and they tell me that the warranty is good (so got that in writing!).

That's good to hear.

I think it may be a valid point that maybe in Germany it would invalidate the warranty if I removed the plug, hence why they told me not to.

As I said, although many companies try, or at least 'threaten' that one, as I said, it's so silly that it is extremely unlikely to stand up in law - which means that companies who 'try it on' will often back down if one threatens to legally challenge their position. Assuming a warranty claim related to malfunction of the actual equipment, there is absolutely no way that such a problem could in any way be related to changing the plug on the lead!

I personally certainly wouldn't let concerns about that deter me from adopting what is undoubtedly the 'safest' solution - namely to cut off the plug.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

It seems that the "standard" term for these devices is now "Socket Outlet".

I don't know what is the current position regarding 'official' terminology, but the term "socket outlet" has been around for a long time here, and is itself not without its uncertainties...

... there is an oft-revisted debate here about the current 'rating' of a "double BS1363 socket", with opinions differing between 20A (based on the conditions of the BS1363 temperature-rise test) and 26A (2 x 13A), and occasionally even 13A.

The 'Technical Datasheet' for the MK product of this type states the 'rating'as "13A per socket outlet". Despite more than one lengthy conversation with MK technical support people, I have never been able to get a definitive answer as to what this means - i.e. whether a 'double socket' (a socket into which one can simultaneously plug two plugs) has one or two "socket outlets"!

Kind Regards, John

 

[winston1]

But what type of plug is fitted at the end of the lead. Is it a GB 13amp plug ?

No. In the small print it says it is fitted with a CEE7/7 plug.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Lookie what I found: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/extension-leads-cable-reels/7685412/

Ok, you have found a rather specialised looking item that has individual (dp) switches.

Unless you find any with ordinary looking single pole switches, like UK ones, then your fears are groundless.

The norm:

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Whether the warranty of this apparently German-manufactured product, bought from a German supplier, actually applies in the UK is perhaps a different question.

AIUI it does at the moment.

 

[pyounger]

Well, I think I have the answer - which I hasten to add, is what I suspected (don’t shoot me!). I couldn’t see the sense in their protestation that the plug could not be swapped for a UK plug as the German plug adapter connect the German terminals to the same corresponding UK terminals.

My main reason for posing the question in the first place was in case there was some weird and wonderful German thing going on I, as a non-electrician, didn’t know about.

Thank you all, it’s been informative, interesting and let’s face it, quite amusing at times

Thank you, and have a good weekend

Paul

 

[EFLImpudence]

Well, I think I have the answer - which I hasten to add, is what I suspected (don’t shoot me!). I couldn’t see the sense in their protestation that the plug could not be swapped for a UK plug

That's because there is no sense to it.

as the German plug adapter connect the German terminals to the same corresponding UK terminals.

How does it achieve that?

The uk adaptor just ensures the fuse is in the Line(Live) terminal; the german plug then does not need to care.

 

[JohnW2]

...I couldn’t see the sense in their protestation that the plug could not be swapped for a UK plug as the German plug adapter connect the German terminals to the same corresponding UK terminals.

As has been said, the reason why you (rightly) couldn't see any sense in it is that there is no sense in it.

The cable contains three conductors (wires). If one cuts off the German plug and connects those three conductors to the correct terminals of a UK plug, then 'the job is done' - and anyone who does not think/believe that that can be done really should not be giving advice in relation to electrical appliances.

Kind Regards, John

 

[eveares]

But what type of plug is fitted at the end of the lead. Is it a GB 13amp plug ?

EU Socket Specs

• eveares
• 11 May 2019

Unless you find any with ordinary looking single pole switches, like UK ones, then your fears are groundless.

I was just showing that one can get individually switched Schuko trailing sockets, not that I was suggesting the switches were single pole. (Although I am sure if you buy from less than reputable online sources you could end up with single pole switches and other compliance issues.)

 

[EFLImpudence]

I was just showing that one can get individually switched Schuko trailing sockets, not that I was suggesting the switches were single pole. (Although I am sure if you buy from less than reputable online sources you could end up with single pole switches and other compliance issues.)

Ok, but that was not your original query so I'm not sure what you are getting at.

Apparently there are some specialist extension leads with switches.
My statement was too sweeping but none of the ones I have for the usual things do have switches.

Unless you can find some with single pole switches then your original concerns are groundless.




Shall I frighten you some more?

Regarding the cooker hood in question, if the OP cuts off the schuko and fits a UK plug then it does not matter electrically which way round he fits the two live conductors.

(Obviously the CPC must be connected to earth and if the other two wires are brown and blue then one would connect them as usual but if they are not...)