Changing Plugs

[RejjieM]

Just about to change some plugs over from UK ones to NZ ones now that we've got a lot of our boxes unpacked. I'm ok just to make a straight swap, aren't I? Do I need to worry about anything else?

[rawsoncj]

You should be ok. The UK and NZ have the same voltage/frequency for electricity. Check each device if you're unsure; somewhere on the outside it should list its compatible voltage/frequencies. If it says it's compatible with 230 or 240 V and 50 Hz, you're good to go with just a plug adapter.

[girlwithanewf]

We haven't bothered changing any plugs, just use plug adapters.

[RejjieM]

But I have quite a few plugs, given to me by a very kind forum member - and adapters cost money

[rawsoncj]

All you need is plugs shaped for the NZ electrical outlets. If you have those, you're good. You don't need expensive voltage regulators or transformers or anything like that.

[RejjieM]

Yes, they're all proper NZ plugs. Some of our things have sealed/moulded plugs so I won't touch those, but others will be easy to replace. Thanks for your help!

[rogercruse]

I managed to buy a couple of adapters on TradeMe for those all-in-one plug / transformers. Much cheaper than the usual high street stores.

Some of the NZ plugs are fairly flimsy (when compared to a typical UK plug) and you do need to decide of which major retailers plugs are best.

[happydave]

I just changed the plug on a uk 4 gang extension lead that solved it for the stuff I didn't want to change the plugs on.

[meggy]

We found that relying on adapters is a pain (like teaspoons-where do they all go?). We've changed everything over to NZ plugs except for the high voltage items we brought over that we'd like a fuse to help cover us thanks!

[MetalSoul]

Beware using adaptors, make sure they are good quality....our washing machine was plugged into an adaptor that melted after a couple of weeks.