Power Adapter

[htid]

Right so I'll be going to Germany for 5 months on 7th May to live with my girlfriend. Thing is I'm taking my computer with me, along with speakers, monitor etc. so I need to take my socket extension (is that the right word?). The problem is that currently when I go, I only need to charge my phone etc. so I use one of these socket convertor things from Wilkinsons, but they say on the back not suitable for long term use, which is what I need.

So the question is, what can I use as an adapter for long term use like this? About 8 different plugs going into 1 extension socket which in turn goes into the wall.

Cheers.

[GoNz0]

buy an extension socket and fit a EU plug on it. problem solved

[htid]

buy an extension socket and fit a EU plug on it. problem solved

Yeah I thought that, but where can I buy one? All the ones over there I have ever seen are moulded into the wire. Looked in shops there and they don't seem to sell them. I don't know if it's possible to get ones that are like our type, which you can fit on. Plus I'm not sure if their plugs are fused, I would say not as looking at them, they seem like a solid piece of plastic with the 2 metal prongs sticking out.

[dave87]

Buy a normal 4 or 6 way one, then buy a travel adapter.

Plug the UK plug into the Travel adapter, and the adapter into the wall - happy days.

[htid]

Buy a normal 4 or 6 way one, then buy a travel adapter.

Plug the UK plug into the Travel adapter, and the adapter into the wall - happy days.

I have a travel adapter, but it says on the back only for short term use. Is it really safe to use an adapter for 5 months with a PC/screen/speakers etc. all running many hours per day?

[Lucio]

I think the warning is due to it also being a transformer, adjusting the slightly different EU votlage in UK, and as with any adaptor, they'll get hot over time due to the power loss.

So just unplug it when you're not using your system and stop downloading overnight

[dave87]

I doubt most of the basic plug adapters are transformers aswell - most UK devices are fine on anything from 100-240v (It'll say on the transformer).

[htid]

I doubt most of the basic plug adapters are transformers aswell - most UK devices are fine on anything from 100-240v (It'll say on the transformer).

Does what Lucio said, still apply then, since it's not a transformer? (I haven't really got a clue about electronics )

[dave87]

I wouldn't have thought so. - just check that the plastic is still in good condition after you've used it for a period of time, and it should be fine.

If not, buy a euro plug, lop the end off the extension leads cable, and put one on.

[htid]

I wouldn't have thought so. - just check that the plastic is still in good condition after you've used it for a period of time, and it should be fine.

If not, buy a euro plug, lop the end off the extension leads cable, and put one on.

That's what I wanted to do, but where do you buy a euro plug? Euro plugs are all moulded, how do I attach this (right one) onto a cable, I don't know how to attach the wires

[dave87]

You'd want the middle one in case any of your items require a ground connection, and its the same as wiring up a 3 pin plug, live to live, earth to earth, neutral to neutral.

[htid]

You'd want the middle one in case any of your items require a ground connection, and its the same as wiring up a 3 pin plug, live to live, earth to earth, neutral to neutral.

But....it's all moulded plastic, I don';t know how you'd take it apart :S

[dave87]

Either find a non moulded variety, or perform the surgery on the other end - the extension part itself.

[htid]

Either find a non moulded variety, or perform the surgery on the other end - the extension part itself.

You mean like buy a moulded plug (with a thick enough wire) and attach it inside the adapter, kinda vice versa?

[dave87]

nah, the main body of the extension lead, open that up and attach the wires there.

[dave87]

Or, buy one of these and attach it to the cord found on the extension lead. Then find a european IEC lead to plug into it.