[BaldyBeardyBloke]

I have purchased a few plugs to swap over our UK devices onto NZ standard plugs, but I notice that NZ plugs do not have fuses in them.

I've done the hair dryer and iron as they are cheap items anyway, but don't fancy swapping computer, TV or expensive items over without the protection of a fuse.

Is it possible to by fused plugs here (I haven't seen any, or fuses for that matter) or do I need to rely on plugging a surge protected multi adapter in first and using a fuseless plug. This is OK in principle, but if the plugs get moved to wall sockets without thinking then the items are at risk again.

Can't say that I've spent a lot of time investigating this as yet, and the answer may be obvious if I take a trip down to Bunnings, or similar proper DIY place, but just wonderd if anybody knew the answer off hand, plus others may benefit from your wise words.

[zardell]

do I need to rely on plugging a surge protected multi adapter in first and using a fuseless plug.



Thats what we've had to do - no fused plugs here I'm afraid............unless someone knows different ???



Julie

xx

[jubjub]

BBB, you can get a surge protector, or if you bought extension cables with 4 sockets in them from the UK, you can just change the one of the end, then you still have your fused UK plugs, our pc is the only thing set up that way now though, everything else is NZ plus, no fuses or surge protection. I will prob go up in a puff of smoke soon...

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

That's pretty much what I thought, just means an extra load of rats nest cables hanging around the floor I suppose, for the kids to trip over.

Mind you once our furniture arrives we'll be able to hide most of it I guess <hide : shove round the back of sofa/sideboard and forget about it>, so less of an issue then.

Cheers.

[barryp]

You can rewire the outlets or add low-profile surge suppressors to the faces of the outlets if you wish. It's not necessary to add additional cables to the mix. (We had to use power strips anyway b/c the house is old - just one single outlet per room, even after being rewired for high capacity.)

[The Hodges]

Just to reiterate, none of the plugs here come with fuses. A surge protector is really adviseable as the electrical supply here is pretty shocking (pun intended). I know that my work's insurance does not pay out for the computers if a surge protector is not used and I heard of somewhere else where the server went down for two days...

If you buy a NZ power board (as they're called here), make sure it is a surge protector (i.e. it comes with a red led, rather than simply just an overload protector).

If you can, use a UK surge protector and just change the plug on that. If you don't have one, you might be able to buy one here, but not sure where...

[Tia Maria]

Just remember when you're adapting any non-NZ adaptors/4-ways/plugs etc to check that it doesn't affect your house insurance. Some won't cover fires or any damage done when these are used.

Cheers

Tia

[StevieD]

I have used the UK extensions I brought with me Sam - that way all my uk stuff is still proteceted by a fuse.

However, my PC is not on my Belkin surge protector, I guess it is high time I changed that over instead of on the TV and stereo etc.

[StevieD]

On the subject of the plugs, they are the most awkward things to wire up. Not the best in the world, but as long as you are careful it is reasonably easy once you get the hang of it.

For anybody not yet here, get cheap extension leads, and put an NZ plug on the end of the extension. That way you are sure of at least some power outlets for all your electrical equipment that you bring.

The adaptor sockets can be bought from the $2 shops in every town and city. Again, not the best solution but beats having to rewuire every appliance you bring.

[richard]

I am not an electrician so I am probably talking rubbish but isn't a fuse mainly meant to protect the house wiring from a faulty appliance pulling too high a current? And a surge protector protects against voltage spikes?

If that is the case then the surge protector is what you want to protect your delicate equipment. A fuse won't help much.