How to use European plugs in the UK safely, and European to UK Adaptors explained. A Beginners Guide

How to use European plugs in the UK safely, and European to UK Adaptors explained. A Beginners Guide

How to use European plugs in the UK, in this video I look at different types of European plugs and adaptors for the UK, I also address issues of safety and practicality. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.

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[lancsFrogger]

dude, thats a brilliant video. content first rate obvs. but filming it in a shed with some nice daylight & fresh grey paint is surprisingly uplifting (not like all those other depressing under-fluorescent light vids)

[ethanlamoureux]

The plug demonstration at 7:30 shows the problem with every US plug ever made. Which is to say, US plugs are among the most dangerous in the world, but people think they’re safe because it’s only 120 instead of 240. Like being hit by a 20 ton truck is safer than being hit by a 40 ton truck. As an American who is very familiar with electricity, I have to say the more I learn about UK plugs the more I like them.

[yourrightimsooosorry]

That thumbnail of the socket with a Phillips construction screw in it, aarrggghhh!
What DIY monster preformed that repair or installation!!!🖖😁

[absolution]

The apple USB adapter was an American plug, not European

[FalcoGer]

There is a nice feature with those cheap adapters. You can plug in the earth pin into the life socket and have a party! (don't do that.)

[GadgetAddict]

lol I got a bit worried when the screw you were using to demonstrate actually started going into the live socket! Although I'm guessing you've turned off the breaker for that socket box :)

[keira_churchill]

I'm glad you stressed the importance of having a fuse in the adapter. A lot of the cheapo adapters don't have those and belong in the bin.

I did cringe a bit when you used a metal screw to point out out exposed live pins while you had the power switched on (7:35 and a couple of other times). I hope the power to that socket was cut off while you were filming. Either way, I'd have preferred it if you'd used something non-conductive as a pointer.

[bmwsincekid]

I just use to plug it in Pushing in the upper Pin With something and Force in the cable using stuff like for 3 years no issues !

[seprishere]

I bought a super deluxe version of the screw-on adapter (with earth pin, and being absolutely huge) to convert a (in turn somewhat deluxe) European power strip for UK use (it has a cutout button, which I thought was normal and was told was a sign of luxury).

[RichardTyler]

At 2:15, what big Clive calls the deathdaptor, for obvious reasons! I know u said the wall socket was only set up for the vid, but why have 2 random cables coming out of the side? The best quality plug I see here is the white 1980s Ever Ready 13amp plug, I've still got a few of these in use, a good design inside, with plenty of room & all the wires are the same length.

[heliosfa]

Good video with a lot of good tips. One thing you missed pointing out was the need for an Earthed conversion plug for earthed appliances - the two you showed were both unearthed ;) Conversion plugs are definitely a simple and safe way to go if you don't want to rewire the plug.

Also, I am not sure if you are aware, but even non-UK suppliers carrying out distance selling to the UK are legally required to provide electrical appliances with either a UK plug fitted or a suitable conversion plug (NOT travel adapter).

[sitbackenjoyradio]

On the converter plug how do you know which way round to put the European plug into the converter plug? Thanks

[OfficialDjBuzz]

You might already know this but,

The reason some EU plugs don't have a earth connection is because the device they are connected to is double insulated.
Wich means there is no way for the user of the device to be electrocuted under normal use. (Fully plastic housing, power tools, ... ) Most devices with a earth connection have a metal housing or involve water etc..

[TechTimeWithEric]

As an American I am becoming more and more intrigued by the UK wiring. I've been watching some guys like Big Clive lately and learning a lot about it. It is amazing how much of a difference there is between the Edison/NEMA plugs and the UK/European.

[wisteela]

Good video. Poundland sell very good non-earthed adapters as UK visitor adapters.

[bobytimoney]

in the uk for safety the top socket hole is not electrified and you need a top socket longer to open the bottom sockets so i just use a toothpick to push down the mechanism and then plug the plug in the socket

[LL-hfbi]

Hey I have a question, if I plug a plug that has a fuse and plug it for like a week without turning it off is something bad going to happen?

[toomf]

what a fantastic helpful upload - many many thanks just the info i needed :)

[Rednesswahn]

no ground ≠ always unsafe
When you have a device without conductive material/ metal there is litterally no point in having an extra wire/ extra prong on the plug leading to nothing except for a illusion that something is more safe just because of that.

[moore]

Rewiring the plug seems to be the safest in my opinion