Tech21
7th December 2007, 03:13 AM
Just what does an NZ 240v plug actually look like?
And can you get 'em anywhere in the UK?
Cheers
Gareth
And can you get 'em anywhere in the UK?
Cheers
Gareth
migratory birds
7th December 2007, 04:23 AM
The plug or the plate? The plugs on the ends of electrical cords are three prong - one cylindrical prong and two flat prongs - the three prongs are triangulated (each are a point on an imaginary eqilateral triangle) - the flat prongs are not paralell to each other but instead are angled with the tops of the flat prongs closest to each other and the bottoms (closest to the cylindrical prong) are angled out.
Wall plate/outlet matches but most (all?) seem to have an on/off switch for each plug at the plate.
How's that for a verbal description! Might be best if someone can forward a digital photo!
Wall plate/outlet matches but most (all?) seem to have an on/off switch for each plug at the plate.
How's that for a verbal description! Might be best if someone can forward a digital photo!
neilw71
7th December 2007, 05:17 AM
Not sure about the "cylindrical" prong?? All ours here are flat!
If you get them in the UK they will be expensive! Best bet is to find someone who is coming back and ask them to put a pack of them in the suitcase if you really want some before you come out.
Neil
If you get them in the UK they will be expensive! Best bet is to find someone who is coming back and ask them to put a pack of them in the suitcase if you really want some before you come out.
Neil
benandclare
7th December 2007, 06:02 AM
Our removal company asked us to de-plug all our appliances as they are easy to pack and you soon get the hang of wacking a new one on :D
DMcG
7th December 2007, 07:58 AM
There's an article on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_plug#Type_I_.28Australian.2FNew_Zealand _.26_Chinese.2FArgentine_2.2F3-pin.29) about plugs (of course!) The photo shows a standard wall socket, the plugs are usually cylindrical and unfused. The rating is 10 amps as opposed to the UKs 13 amps. See also here (http://www.quackit.com/travel/new_zealand/new_zealand_power_plug.cfm)
Dougie
Dougie
Tech21
7th December 2007, 08:38 AM
Thanks Dougie,
That's exactly what I was needing.
Isn't it a bit iffy though, running 240V devices with no inline live side fuses?
And are the ring outlets only rated at 10amp max?
I might just bring a shed load of 4-way blocks and stick an NZ plug on the end of each of them...at least that way I can retain my socket fuses.
OK if the power cords aren't fused then what type of consumer unit fuse devices are used in NZ, cartridge, ELCB's, other types of trip devices, etc?
Cheers
Gareth
That's exactly what I was needing.
Isn't it a bit iffy though, running 240V devices with no inline live side fuses?
And are the ring outlets only rated at 10amp max?
I might just bring a shed load of 4-way blocks and stick an NZ plug on the end of each of them...at least that way I can retain my socket fuses.
OK if the power cords aren't fused then what type of consumer unit fuse devices are used in NZ, cartridge, ELCB's, other types of trip devices, etc?
Cheers
Gareth
IanW99
7th December 2007, 11:57 AM
You may find this thread interesting:- NZ Electrical Plugs (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12294)
Most electrical products are actually internally fused now anyway, so not as much of an issue as it might seem. Yes the ring mains is rated at 10A.
Our electrical supply is protected by Residual Current Detection instead of fuses - don't know if this is normal though?
As recommended previously, definitely get some mult-way adapters as it saves changing so many plugs and sometimes it isn't possible to change them.
One anoying thing with the plugs in NZ is that you can buy different types which may not fit together in a dual socket i.e. you already have something plugged in and want to plug in something else as well but it won't physically fit due to a different shape.
A point about 'de-plugging', you need to watch the removals men when they come to pack you electrical items as the ones we had started to cut all the plugs off without asking first. You may not want them to do this?
Ian
Most electrical products are actually internally fused now anyway, so not as much of an issue as it might seem. Yes the ring mains is rated at 10A.
Our electrical supply is protected by Residual Current Detection instead of fuses - don't know if this is normal though?
As recommended previously, definitely get some mult-way adapters as it saves changing so many plugs and sometimes it isn't possible to change them.
One anoying thing with the plugs in NZ is that you can buy different types which may not fit together in a dual socket i.e. you already have something plugged in and want to plug in something else as well but it won't physically fit due to a different shape.
A point about 'de-plugging', you need to watch the removals men when they come to pack you electrical items as the ones we had started to cut all the plugs off without asking first. You may not want them to do this?
Ian
Tech21
7th December 2007, 01:13 PM
Thanks Ian,
Good link.
The way they wire up reminds me of the old round Bulgin plugs from the 60's and 70's as found on many guitar amps of that time which, under modern UK legislation, have been downgraded to 50v in stead of 250v.
Cheers
Gareth
Good link.
The way they wire up reminds me of the old round Bulgin plugs from the 60's and 70's as found on many guitar amps of that time which, under modern UK legislation, have been downgraded to 50v in stead of 250v.
Cheers
Gareth
PECJ
11th December 2007, 08:17 PM
Hi, we moved out recently and offer the following advice. Plugs are relatively easy to get hold of and therefore all your applicance which have bog-standard UK plugs on are easy to replace. HOWEVER, it was only when we got here did we realised how many items had a transformer in the plug. For example - mobile phone charger, landline phone base units, PC radio mouse, dust-buster. So its worth getting a few (we had 4 and probably would have brought 6-8) 4-bank UK extension leads. Certainly in the first few days you do not want to be changing endless plugs (there are bigger things to worry about). You can change one plug and get 4 UK sockets, remembering not to run off kettles etc from the sockets.
Another point - don't get the 2x2 version get the "straight 4" because the way the extension sockets are arranged on the 2x2 versions some plug/transformers are built means that sometimes only 2 sockets are accessable.
One other point, the NZ bathrooms don't generally have the 2 pin "shaver" sockets in them. The sockets are RCD protected standard mains sockets. Therefore it is worth bringing a couple (at least) of the "international" adaptors with you. (they can also be used on the UK extension leads before you change those plugs)
Hope the helps.
Another point - don't get the 2x2 version get the "straight 4" because the way the extension sockets are arranged on the 2x2 versions some plug/transformers are built means that sometimes only 2 sockets are accessable.
One other point, the NZ bathrooms don't generally have the 2 pin "shaver" sockets in them. The sockets are RCD protected standard mains sockets. Therefore it is worth bringing a couple (at least) of the "international" adaptors with you. (they can also be used on the UK extension leads before you change those plugs)
Hope the helps.
BaldyBeardyBloke
11th December 2007, 08:48 PM
You got in before PECJ. We did exactly that (we brought about 10 UK extenstion leads/power bars - we had loads in UK and they just got packed without really thinking about it). I think we added it to the list of recommended items to bring in luggage from UK to save a lot of hassle for exactly this reason (another thread somewhere). iPod chargers, cordless phone docking stations, loads of things have transformers built into plugs which are a real pain in the **** to use with a converter.
Anyway, the above works a treat - one in each kids room for charging nintendo DS's, as another example.
Anyway, the above works a treat - one in each kids room for charging nintendo DS's, as another example.
Tech21
12th December 2007, 05:40 AM
Thanks people....advice duly noted.
Cheers
G
Cheers
G
Tech21
13th December 2007, 02:43 AM
Just an observation....
But is the earth pin really at the bottom???
If so....then in the photos of the plugs showing the terminal connections on this post...
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12294
...the cable comes out at the side when the device is plugged in??? and with a standard travel adaptor (I'm looking at one now) a UK plug cable would come out at the top?:uhoh
....what a naff design...nearly as well thought out as the scart plugs and sockets.:roll
Cheers
G
But is the earth pin really at the bottom???
If so....then in the photos of the plugs showing the terminal connections on this post...
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12294
...the cable comes out at the side when the device is plugged in??? and with a standard travel adaptor (I'm looking at one now) a UK plug cable would come out at the top?:uhoh
....what a naff design...nearly as well thought out as the scart plugs and sockets.:roll
Cheers
G
IanW99
13th December 2007, 08:05 AM
Yes, the earth pin is at the bottom and the same length as the other pins.
For the plug shown the cable sort of comes out at between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock position.
One anoying thing with the plugs in NZ is that you can buy different types which may not fit together in a dual socket i.e. you already have something plugged in and want to plug in something else as well but it won't physically fit due to a different shape.
You can get other plug types though, so if you don't like it coming out of the 'side' then you can just buy different ones. For example, for many of the pre-fitted plugs the cable comes out of the 'top'.
Ian
For the plug shown the cable sort of comes out at between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock position.
One anoying thing with the plugs in NZ is that you can buy different types which may not fit together in a dual socket i.e. you already have something plugged in and want to plug in something else as well but it won't physically fit due to a different shape.
You can get other plug types though, so if you don't like it coming out of the 'side' then you can just buy different ones. For example, for many of the pre-fitted plugs the cable comes out of the 'top'.
Ian
Tech21
14th December 2007, 01:10 AM
Just found a place in the UK selling them....not cheap but they do have some in stock.
Clicky Here for a look. (http://www.interpower.com/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=ic/p80list2.p?w_country=Australia)
Then Check under Plugs, Sockets and Connectors
They are called Interpower Components Ltd.
10 Kelvin Drive
Knowlhill
Milton Keynes
Bucks
MK5 8NH
UNITED KINGDOM
I am going to buy a couple and wire ‘em to some light-weight 4-way blocks so Jane can take them with her when she flies out for the mobile phone chargers and stuff.
Cheers
G
Clicky Here for a look. (http://www.interpower.com/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=ic/p80list2.p?w_country=Australia)
Then Check under Plugs, Sockets and Connectors
They are called Interpower Components Ltd.
10 Kelvin Drive
Knowlhill
Milton Keynes
Bucks
MK5 8NH
UNITED KINGDOM
I am going to buy a couple and wire ‘em to some light-weight 4-way blocks so Jane can take them with her when she flies out for the mobile phone chargers and stuff.
Cheers
G
Tech21
14th December 2007, 01:38 AM
Thanks once again Ian....Info much appreciated.
Ta
Gareth
Ta
Gareth
IanW99
14th December 2007, 08:14 AM
...
I am going to buy a couple and wire ‘em to some light-weight 4-way blocks so Jane can take them with her when she flies out for the mobile phone chargers and stuff.
...
Sounds way to organised for me, we just used a travel adapter on the end.
She must be taking a lot of electronics with her to need 8 sockets :yes
One tip that you might find useful, in NZ they sell a really good adapter (made by KORJO (http://www.korjo.com/cpa/htm/fs_secondary.asp?load=htm_korjo_product_range.asp&page_id=4)) it's a bit like a travel adapter but much better made (IMO) and it simply takes the UK plug and allows you to plug it into a NZ socket - very simple, neat and convenient.
Ian
I am going to buy a couple and wire ‘em to some light-weight 4-way blocks so Jane can take them with her when she flies out for the mobile phone chargers and stuff.
...
Sounds way to organised for me, we just used a travel adapter on the end.
She must be taking a lot of electronics with her to need 8 sockets :yes
One tip that you might find useful, in NZ they sell a really good adapter (made by KORJO (http://www.korjo.com/cpa/htm/fs_secondary.asp?load=htm_korjo_product_range.asp&page_id=4)) it's a bit like a travel adapter but much better made (IMO) and it simply takes the UK plug and allows you to plug it into a NZ socket - very simple, neat and convenient.
Ian
Tech21
15th December 2007, 05:20 AM
Hi Ian,
I have one travel adaptor and it looks a bit
Charlie
Romeo
Alpha
Papa
to me if it has to have a UK plug stuck in it the wrong way round with the cable sticking up the wall.
With the 4 ways if you have 1 in the lounge to run your laptop and one in the kitchen to charge the mobile and I-Pod type stuff was my thinking behind having 2.
Cheers
Gareth
Scarily.....only 23 days 'till Lex (my son) and I leave the UK for good:exit ....then another 46 days 'till we arrive in Auckland.......and then thumb it to Wellie.....probably.:laugh
I have one travel adaptor and it looks a bit
Charlie
Romeo
Alpha
Papa
to me if it has to have a UK plug stuck in it the wrong way round with the cable sticking up the wall.
With the 4 ways if you have 1 in the lounge to run your laptop and one in the kitchen to charge the mobile and I-Pod type stuff was my thinking behind having 2.
Cheers
Gareth
Scarily.....only 23 days 'till Lex (my son) and I leave the UK for good:exit ....then another 46 days 'till we arrive in Auckland.......and then thumb it to Wellie.....probably.:laugh
IanW99
15th December 2007, 08:51 AM
Hi Ian,
I have one travel adaptor and it looks a bit
Charlie
Romeo
Alpha
Papa
to me if it has to have a UK plug stuck in it the wrong way round with the cable sticking up the wall.
With the 4 ways if you have 1 in the lounge to run your laptop and one in the kitchen to charge the mobile and I-Pod type stuff was my thinking behind having 2.
Cheers
Gareth
Scarily.....only 23 days 'till Lex (my son) and I leave the UK for good:exit ....then another 46 days 'till we arrive in Auckland.......and then thumb it to Wellie.....probably.:laugh
Most of the travel adapters that I have seen are as you say 'Charlie...'
That is why I mentioned it, these ones are actually very good, definitely recommend them (you are right about the cable sticking upwards though).
Have a safe journey and have you considered the Overlander (http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/services/overlander.aspx)?
Ian
I have one travel adaptor and it looks a bit
Charlie
Romeo
Alpha
Papa
to me if it has to have a UK plug stuck in it the wrong way round with the cable sticking up the wall.
With the 4 ways if you have 1 in the lounge to run your laptop and one in the kitchen to charge the mobile and I-Pod type stuff was my thinking behind having 2.
Cheers
Gareth
Scarily.....only 23 days 'till Lex (my son) and I leave the UK for good:exit ....then another 46 days 'till we arrive in Auckland.......and then thumb it to Wellie.....probably.:laugh
Most of the travel adapters that I have seen are as you say 'Charlie...'
That is why I mentioned it, these ones are actually very good, definitely recommend them (you are right about the cable sticking upwards though).
Have a safe journey and have you considered the Overlander (http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/services/overlander.aspx)?
Ian
Tech21
17th December 2007, 01:32 AM
Hi Ian,
Thanks for the link.
I was thinking of using the railway and that one looks really neat....the boat (sorry...ship) arrives 21-2-08 @ 0800hrs....train departs 21-2-08 @ 0725hrs.....bummer....not the best of connections....
No point in flying with all the excess baggage we will have accumulated from a 6 week cruise so I will probably wait in Auckland till the 22nd and catch the next one.....either that or hire a car and drive it...but if the train takes 12 hours how long is the drive??
Cheers
Gareth
Thanks for the link.
I was thinking of using the railway and that one looks really neat....the boat (sorry...ship) arrives 21-2-08 @ 0800hrs....train departs 21-2-08 @ 0725hrs.....bummer....not the best of connections....
No point in flying with all the excess baggage we will have accumulated from a 6 week cruise so I will probably wait in Auckland till the 22nd and catch the next one.....either that or hire a car and drive it...but if the train takes 12 hours how long is the drive??
Cheers
Gareth
Nathan
17th December 2007, 05:32 AM
...but if the train takes 12 hours how long is the drive??
9h..... It would take me longer, but I have to stop regularly to gawk... take a picture... talk to the locals... look around in a hardware store.... go to grocery and find a good apple, etc...
9h..... It would take me longer, but I have to stop regularly to gawk... take a picture... talk to the locals... look around in a hardware store.... go to grocery and find a good apple, etc...
Leccy-Lee
17th December 2007, 07:48 AM
ht seem. Yes the ring mains is rated at 10A. Our electrical supply is protected by Residual Current Detection instead of fuses - don't know if this is normal though?
NZ doesnt have "Ring Mains" (thank the lord!) all power circuits are radials (ie: just one cable in a single of sockets) and they are rated at 20A at the Fuseboard. Although the sockets are rated at 10A as you say, unless you have the 15A fitted which would be unusual in a domestic house. And yes its now part of wiring regs that all domestic wiring is supplied from an RCD (lord only knows! The kiwis are obsessed with RCDs, lol)
Oh and some people wonder about the UK having fuses in every plug? It is generally because in the UK sockets are fed on a "Ring Main" which is 32A rated (at fuseboard) and therefore having a more suitable fuse such as 3A for a lamp is far safer than waiting for the 32A to blow (which it wouldnt), as the majority of the rest of the world doesnt use Ring Mains, then they dont have fuses in plugs, its always been a UK quirk! Also NZ houses all having RCDs then that extra fuse really isnt needed like it maybe in the UK.
NZ doesnt have "Ring Mains" (thank the lord!) all power circuits are radials (ie: just one cable in a single of sockets) and they are rated at 20A at the Fuseboard. Although the sockets are rated at 10A as you say, unless you have the 15A fitted which would be unusual in a domestic house. And yes its now part of wiring regs that all domestic wiring is supplied from an RCD (lord only knows! The kiwis are obsessed with RCDs, lol)
Oh and some people wonder about the UK having fuses in every plug? It is generally because in the UK sockets are fed on a "Ring Main" which is 32A rated (at fuseboard) and therefore having a more suitable fuse such as 3A for a lamp is far safer than waiting for the 32A to blow (which it wouldnt), as the majority of the rest of the world doesnt use Ring Mains, then they dont have fuses in plugs, its always been a UK quirk! Also NZ houses all having RCDs then that extra fuse really isnt needed like it maybe in the UK.
IanW99
17th December 2007, 07:54 AM
As said by Nathan, drive down from Auckland to Wellington takes approx 9 hours.
Max speed is 100Kph and many of the roads you would travel on are single lane, very windey as they follow the contours and also slow down to 50Kph when going through towns.
A day in Auckland followed by a trip on the Overlander would be a great end to your cruise.
BTW, the train takes your through some scenery that just isn't accessible by road so it's the only easy way to see it.
Ian
Max speed is 100Kph and many of the roads you would travel on are single lane, very windey as they follow the contours and also slow down to 50Kph when going through towns.
A day in Auckland followed by a trip on the Overlander would be a great end to your cruise.
BTW, the train takes your through some scenery that just isn't accessible by road so it's the only easy way to see it.
Ian
IanW99
17th December 2007, 08:10 AM
NZ doesnt have "Ring Mains" (thank the lord!) all power circuits are radials (ie: just one cable in a single of sockets) and they are rated at 20A at the Fuseboard
....
Thanks Lee, for clearing up this point, I used the term "ring" main so that it was easy to understand for the people in the UK what I was going on about, but I had intended to quote it to hightlight the fact that it isn't actually a ring main in NZ.
Ian
....
Thanks Lee, for clearing up this point, I used the term "ring" main so that it was easy to understand for the people in the UK what I was going on about, but I had intended to quote it to hightlight the fact that it isn't actually a ring main in NZ.
Ian
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