NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Common electrical adaptors in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom

This page covers electrical adaptors which are common in the UK and presumablly other places where British wiring is in use such as Hong Kong. Modern British adaptors should always have shutters over the live and neutral pins. Whilst the lack of shutters is not in itself a significant danger for adults (babies with fingers small enough to fit into the holes are another matter), it can be taken as an indication that the adaptor is either very old or not made according to British Standards. This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... CEE 7/7 plug and socket Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains (domestic, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes. ... Ground or earth in a mains (AC power) electrical wiring system is a conductor that exists primarily to help protect against faults. ... British Standards is the new name of the British Standards Institute and is part of BSI Group which also includes a testing organisation. ...

Adaptors for with UK equipment in the UK

Doublers and triplers (common in both the UK and HK)

BS 1363 allows doublers to be unfused and in practice fused doublers are very rare. Therefore care should be taken to avoid overloading when using them. Triplers on the other hand are always fused so there is a fuse there to protect them if overloaded. In the photo the adaptor on the left is a tripler and the red fuse carrier can easilly be seen. The adaptor on the left is a doubler and is clearly smaller as well as lacking the fuse.
BS 1363 (British Standard) is the standard which defines what is colloquially know as the 13 Amp plug, which is the most common type of mains power plug in the British Isles. ... The word fuse (spelled fuze in some contexts) has several meanings: To fuse is to combine in a process of fusion. ... An overload is a situation where a machine or system is subjected to a greater load than it was designed for. ...

Shaver adaptors (common in both the UK and HK)

The main purpose of these adaptor is to accept the 2 pin plugs of UK shavers, as marked on such adaptors. These adaptors usually have a 1A or 2A BS 646 or BS 1362 fuse. As well as the British BS1363 Shaver plugs they are generally designed to accept Europlugs and American 2 pin plugs and sometimes Australian 2 pin plugs. In many cases Schuko and french plugs will also fit but there is no earth contact with such plugs. The current rating of the adaptor should also be considered before connecting equipment other than shavers. A razor is an edge tool (primarily, used in shaving). ... BS 1363 (British Standard) is the standard which defines what is colloquially know as the 13 Amp plug, which is the most common type of mains power plug in the British Isles. ... The europlug is a flat, non-wirable, two-pole domestic AC power plug with cord, designed for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2. ... CEE 7/7 plug and socket Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains (domestic, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes. ... CEE 7/7 plug and socket Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains (domestic, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes. ... Double Schuko socket with one plug inserted CEE 7/4 Schuko plug Schuko (IPA: /ʃuko/) is a widespread name for a type of plugs and sunken sockets, also frequently referred to as Type F, which is often found in Continental and Eastern Europe but exluding France and belgium which use... Ground or earth in a mains (AC power) electrical wiring system is a conductor that exists primarily to help protect against faults. ...

Adaptors for with HK equipment in HK

This example (http://www.fungyip.com/product-img/Adaptors/FY/Y%20Series/Y823.jpg) from Fung Yip Electrical (Hong Kong) allows an equipment with BS546 5 Ampere plug to be used in a supply system with BS1363 sockets. They fully comply to BS1363 and BS546 standards, while the 5A sockets are protected by a BS1362 5Amp fuse. In many cases Schuko and french plugs will also fit in the BS546 5A sockets (by opening the shutters by inserting a screwdriver into the earth hole) but there is no earth contact with such plugs. BS 1363 (British Standard) is the standard which defines what is colloquially know as the 13 Amp plug, which is the most common type of mains power plug in the British Isles. ...

Converter plugs

There are a special type of plug for conversion of appliances outside the UK/Hong Kong which are fitted with non-UK plugs. Unlike a travel adaptor these plugs when closed look fairly similar to normal plugs. Inside are two/three metal clips into which the metal ends of the non-UK plug pins are clipped. The body of the converter plug is shaped to grip the non-UK plug. The hinged lid is then shut to cover the connections to the europlug and is screwed shut. These plugs have a fuse (BS1362, can be up to 10A) accessible from the outside and in some cases are fitted with screws that are made to be difficult to unscrew. These converters can be used with CEE7 (http://www.powerconnections.co.uk/convert_eurotouk.htm)#, non-earthed Schuko (http://www.powerconnections.co.uk/convert_eurotouk_scp.htm), earthed Schuko (http://www.powerconnections.co.uk/convert_eurotouk_scp3.htm), Euro transfromer (http://www.powerconnections.co.uk/convert_eurotouk_pcp.htm), Euro 2-pin (http://www.powerconnections.co.uk/convert_eurotouk_cp1.htm)#, USA/PRC/ROC/Japan 2-pin (http://www.powerconnections.co.uk/convert_usjapanchina.htm)# plugs. (From PowerConnections (http://www.powerconnections.co.uk/), Harlow, England) BS 1363 (British Standard) is the standard which defines what is colloquially know as the 13 Amp plug, which is the most common type of mains power plug in the British Isles. ... Harlow is a local government district and new town in Essex, United Kingdom. ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population - Total (2001) - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/km² Religion...

Note: # - common in Hong Kong

Adaptors for visitors to the UK

Any adaptor for using a non-fused plug in BS1363 sockets MUST be fused with an appropriate ceramic bodied sand filled hrc fuse (ideally a BS1362 one). Note that the following adaptors fully comply to the British Standard BS1363. The word ceramic is derived from Greek, and in its strictest sense refers to clay in all its forms. ... British Standards is the new name of the British Standards Institute and is part of BSI Group which also includes a testing organisation. ... BS 1363 (British Standard) is the standard which defines what is colloquially know as the 13 Amp plug, which is the most common type of mains power plug in the British Isles. ...

The basic visitor adaptor (not seen in HK)

This is by far the most common and has a load of irregular shaped holes to allow a wide range of plugs. Plugs with an earth pin that fits into the adaptor will be earthed by theese adaptors but Schuko and French plugs with their holes/clips will not. One sample can be obatined here (http://www.justsportandleisure.com/Details.asp?PID=5393&referrer=Kelkoo). Double Schuko socket with one plug inserted CEE 7/4 Schuko plug Schuko (IPA: /ʃuko/) is a widespread name for a type of plugs and sunken sockets, also frequently referred to as Type F, which is often found in Continental and Eastern Europe but exluding France and belgium which use...

UK-Schuko adaptors (not seen in HK)

Because of the desire to use equipment with the very common Schuko plug which cannot easily be earthed by a more general apaptor, specific adaptors with properly earthed Schuko sockets have been produced. However they are much less common than the basic visitors adaptor. A sample (http://www.currys.co.uk/product.php?sku=691078). Double Schuko socket with one plug inserted CEE 7/4 Schuko plug Schuko (IPA: /ʃuko/) is a widespread name for a type of plugs and sunken sockets, also frequently referred to as Type F, which is often found in Continental and Eastern Europe but exluding France and belgium which use...

UK-USA Adaptor (not seen in HK)

These adaptors enable users from the United States to use their equipments in the UK. One sample can be obatined here (http://www.justsportandleisure.com/Details.asp?PID=3777&referrer=Kelkoo).

UK-South Africa Adaptor (not seen in HK)

These adaptors enables user from the south Africa (BS546 15A plugs) to use their equipments in the UK. One sample can be obatined here (http://www.justsportandleisure.com/Details.asp?PID=5399). However, the legality of these adaptors in Hong Kong is questionable. From reference (1), it is stated that a 13A adaptor having 15A adaptor sockets is not allowed.

Adaptors for travelling from the UK

Adaptor set (common in the UK and HK)

The following two adaptor types are often sold together as a pair with a shaped hard plastic tube to enclose the pins when the adaptors are being transported. Shapes of the socket part of the body vary by brand but the plug part nearly always has the shape of a Schuko plug. "Do not use in UK", "7.5AMP, 250V" are marked on such adaptors. Manufacturers claim that these adaptors fully comply to BS5733. The term plastics covers a range of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products. ... TUBE (チューブ; chūbu) is a Japanese popular music group. ... Double Schuko socket with one plug inserted CEE 7/4 Schuko plug Schuko (IPA: /ʃuko/) is a widespread name for a type of plugs and sunken sockets, also frequently referred to as Type F, which is often found in Continental and Eastern Europe but exluding France and belgium which use...

The Continental adaptor

This adaptor has round pins and is set up with earthing contacts for schuko and french sockets they will mate with some other socket types but will not provide an earth in those sockets.

This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ...

The intercontinental adaptor

This adaptor is usually based on approximately the same body design as the continental adaptor but has flat pins which are designed to move between two positions to fit American and Australian sockets. This adaptor does not provide an earth connection so should only be used with class 2 equipment. Also when using in American sockets care must be taken to ensure the appliance is suitable for 120V power. ... CEE 7/7 plug and socket Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains (domestic, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes. ...

South-Africa UK Adaptor (not seen in HK)

These adaptors enables UK users to user their equipment in South Africa, where BS546 15A sockets are used. Click here (http://www.justsportandleisure.com/Details.asp?PID=3767) for an example. Click here for its common Hong Kong counterpart (http://www.fungyip.com/product-img/Adaptors/GooD/G890.jpg) from a Hong Kong-based electrical products comapny.

European visitors' adaptor (not seen in HK)

For overseas (including the United Kingdom) visitors to use their equipments where Schuko plug is used. A sample (http://www.princes-polo.co.uk/detail_38758.html). Double Schuko socket with one plug inserted CEE 7/4 Schuko plug Schuko (IPA: /ʃuko/) is a widespread name for a type of plugs and sunken sockets, also frequently referred to as Type F, which is often found in Continental and Eastern Europe but exluding France and belgium which use...

One-for-all adaptor (not seen in HK)

These adaptors allow UK travellers to plug directly into any electrical system worldwide. A sample (http://www.equipped2travel.co.uk/detail.asp?prod_ID=1826&Cat_ID=67).

Adaptors for travelling from Hong Kong (non-British Standard)

Besides the adaptor set (intercontinental+continental) mentioned above, some non-British Standard travel adaptors are available in Hong Kong. Travel adaptors which are designed for use outside Hong Kong are not regulated by the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation. See this webpage (http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/electricity_handbook01_2_3_2.shtml#2.3.20) of the Electrcial and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong Government for samples and usage advice of these adaptors. They have irregular socket holes and no fuse. Shutters are available in some, but not all, models. One more sample (http://www.converters.tv/products/converters/cables_and_adapters/71.html). British Standards is the new name of the British Standards Institute and is part of BSI Group which also includes a testing organisation. ... British Standards is the new name of the British Standards Institute and is part of BSI Group which also includes a testing organisation. ... On July 1, 1997, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) resumed its exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, ending more than 150 years of British colonial control. ...

However, if such non-BS adaptors have a BS1363-compatible plug, consumers are not encouraged (http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/electricity_handbook01_2_3_1.shtml#2.3.2) to purchase and use them in Hong Kong. In Ap Liu Street, even one-for-all non-BS travellers' adaptor sets are sold, the UK-compatible plug is removed by dealers. British Standards is the new name of the British Standards Institute and is part of BSI Group which also includes a testing organisation. ... Sham Shui Po (深水埗; pinyin: shen1 shui3 bu4, Yale: sam seuí bouh; lit. ...

External Links

A travel adaptor catalogue from justsportandleisure.com (http://www.justsportandleisure.com/SubCategory.asp?CID=2&SCID=229)
A catalogue from hotbot.co.uk (http://shopping.hotbot.co.uk/query.html?qu=Travel+Adaptor&service=linServices&pg=1)
A catalogue from Fung Yip Electrical Products, Hong Kong (http://www.fungyip.com/product.html)
PowerConnections, Harlow, England (http://www.powerconnectons.co.uk)

References

(1) p.64, Guidance Notes for the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation (2001 Edition - with amendments), Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong [1] (http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/pub_gng_reg01.shtml)

Adaptors for with UK equipment in the UK GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");