Or maybe Euro plugs don't have fuse in line in the cable. See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC\_power\_plugs\_and\_sockets:\_British\_and\_related\_types#Fuses\_(BS\_1362)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types#Fuses_(BS_1362)) which explains that the fuses are there to protect the cable.
A standard UK plug would have a 5a/13a fuse connected to the live pin on the plug, yes. Whether there are additional fuses inside I wouldn't know. Apparently it is to protect the cord primarily.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC\_power\_plugs\_and\_sockets:\_British\_and\_related\_types#Fuses\_(BS\_1362)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types#Fuses_(BS_1362))
Cool thanks! I learned something new today. The British seem to be very secure with electrical appliances. The switches on power sockets are also something I’ve not seen anywhere else in Europe.
Back at you - I learned that British plugs are different like that! You just grow up with stuff and assume it is the same the world over. Never really thought that european plugs can be inserted live - left / neutral -right or live - right / neutral - left for example; British can be only one way. And like you say, switches on sockets too - never thought that they were a British thing either. Next time I'm in France I'll be paying a lot more attention to this and boring all my family about the differences!!
The French also have a central “spike” for ground while Germany has “clips” on the side that make grounded plugs reversible too. It’s amazing how many different systems still persist.
UK domestic wiring uses a ring main philosophy; effectively two, 2.5mmsq copper conductors in parallel, each rated about 19amps but protected by a 32amp CB in the distribution board.
The plug contains a fuse (as has been pointed out) rated to protect the flexible lead (cord) to the appliance. The appliance may also contain lower rated / different class fuses to protection delicate components.
To find no fuse in the adaptor after 12 months is concerning.
I'm no expert on these things, but given I've seen plenty of these cheap adaptors without really thinking about the fuse issue, I suspect they are entirely lawful.
The flexible lead is rated at 13amps.
The IEC connector in the back of the GC is only 10amps.
The CB in the distribution board is 32amps.
Therefore the fuse in the plug is very much relevant.
Sure you're thinking the same. But isn't this illegal to sale in the UK, unless the adapter is one designed to semi-permanently attach to the euro-plug and there's a fuse on that?
Surely you wouldn't expect the fuse to be in the UK adaptor, you'd expect it to be in the Euro plug? Is it not in there either?
Or maybe Euro plugs don't have fuse in line in the cable. See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC\_power\_plugs\_and\_sockets:\_British\_and\_related\_types#Fuses\_(BS\_1362)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types#Fuses_(BS_1362)) which explains that the fuses are there to protect the cable.
Fuses in plugs? I’m used to the fuse being inside the machine, never in a plug. Is that a UK thing?
A standard UK plug would have a 5a/13a fuse connected to the live pin on the plug, yes. Whether there are additional fuses inside I wouldn't know. Apparently it is to protect the cord primarily. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC\_power\_plugs\_and\_sockets:\_British\_and\_related\_types#Fuses\_(BS\_1362)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types#Fuses_(BS_1362))
Cool thanks! I learned something new today. The British seem to be very secure with electrical appliances. The switches on power sockets are also something I’ve not seen anywhere else in Europe.
Back at you - I learned that British plugs are different like that! You just grow up with stuff and assume it is the same the world over. Never really thought that european plugs can be inserted live - left / neutral -right or live - right / neutral - left for example; British can be only one way. And like you say, switches on sockets too - never thought that they were a British thing either. Next time I'm in France I'll be paying a lot more attention to this and boring all my family about the differences!!
The French also have a central “spike” for ground while Germany has “clips” on the side that make grounded plugs reversible too. It’s amazing how many different systems still persist.
UK domestic wiring uses a ring main philosophy; effectively two, 2.5mmsq copper conductors in parallel, each rated about 19amps but protected by a 32amp CB in the distribution board. The plug contains a fuse (as has been pointed out) rated to protect the flexible lead (cord) to the appliance. The appliance may also contain lower rated / different class fuses to protection delicate components. To find no fuse in the adaptor after 12 months is concerning.
But the adaptors I've always used don't have a fuse in them, they just clamp around the plug to provide a cheap conversion.
This is my concern. "cheap conversion" but not a (relevant) fuse in sight!
I'm no expert on these things, but given I've seen plenty of these cheap adaptors without really thinking about the fuse issue, I suspect they are entirely lawful.
Arguably, the fuse in the plug head is an irrelevant redundancy. As they say, keep calm and carry on. You’ll be fine.
The flexible lead is rated at 13amps. The IEC connector in the back of the GC is only 10amps. The CB in the distribution board is 32amps. Therefore the fuse in the plug is very much relevant.
Why not just swap the cable ?
That IS what i've done.
AHH ok the pic makes it seem like you used a euro cable and added an adapter , not use a UK plugged cable .
Sure you're thinking the same. But isn't this illegal to sale in the UK, unless the adapter is one designed to semi-permanently attach to the euro-plug and there's a fuse on that?