USA electronics in the UK

[Rs2oo]

Advice please. I'm thinking of buying some electronic goods from a U.S. website and want to know if the wiring is compatible with the UK. Can I take their 2 pin plug off and replace it with a UK 3 pin and just plug it in or is the wiring different ?

[boxst]

You have to look at each device / power unit. If they say 110v-240v then you can either just plug it into an adaptor or as you suggest cut the cable and put a UK plug on. Personally I have an American extension cord / multi-plug and have just replaced the plug on that with a UK one and plug all my American devices to that.

Edit: Sorry, I skim read your question and missed you were going to order across the internet. Unless you can physically see the device it is a bit hit and miss. You will have to search on the internet to see if you can see the power rating. Remember that you probably also get hit with import tax and the exchange rate is lousy...

Edited by boxst on Sunday 21st December 12:57

[Rs2oo]

Ok sounds good. The item is £27 so will work out the import duty on that, can only be a few quid.

[The_Doc]

Just to be extra clear, the entire USA uses 120v for their supply. the entire Europe uses 220 to 240v.

This can fundamentally change the ways things work when plugged in.

[Sheepshanks]

What's the item? A lot of cheapish stuff has a separate power supply - either a wall-wart or power brick. They're usually (but not always) multi-voltage.

[Crafty_]

Rs2oo said:

Ok sounds good. The item is £27 so will work out the import duty on that, can only be a few quid.

£27 + Shipping + duty (depends exactly what it is, but lets say 5%) + VAT. Whoever brings it in will charge you a customs clearance fee - £12-15.

So long the postage is only about £10 it'll end up being about £65 in your hands.

[mph1977]

The_Doc said:

Just to be extra clear, the entire USA uses 120v for their supply. the entire Europe uses 220 to 240v.

This can fundamentally change the ways things work when plugged in.

assuming the device doesn't have a selector switch on the power supply or uses a switch mode PSU which will take most falvours of mains around the world without moans

[Who me ?]

The_Doc said:

Just to be extra clear, the entire USA uses 120v for their supply. the entire Europe uses 220 to 240v.

This can fundamentally change the ways things work when plugged in.

A lot depends on the PSU. Most electronics uses a Switched mode Power unit( SMPU) , which can typically handle inputs of from 110 - 240V AC . It should state this on the power unit. But I'd advise before buying from states to check out the cost of a UK power unit to see if, in the event of the PSU going bang, it's still worthwhile. DIL comes from states and they visit regularly. One time son bought a games console ( big name maker) over there .It stated 110- 240v AC . He plugged it in over here to get a nice bang. input filter capacitor had gone bang. He managed to get a PSU in UK for little cash. I'd suggest if you do buy online ,you test the PSU outside at the end of an extension lead,with supply switch well back .

[GnuBee]

US is also 60hz whereas we're 50hz - this can/does impact things if you are running a motor...

[Rs2oo]

C

Crafty_ said:

£27 + Shipping + duty (depends exactly what it is, but lets say 5%) + VAT. Whoever brings it in will charge you a customs clearance fee - £12-15.

So long the postage is only about £10 it'll end up being about £65 in your hands.

Shipping is free with the purchase. GearBest.com

[Rs2oo]

Sheepshanks said:

What's the item? A lot of cheapish stuff has a separate power supply - either a wall-wart or power brick. They're usually (but not always) multi-voltage.

Here's the item.
http://www.gearbest.com/tablet-pcs/pp_110914.html?...

[Crafty_]

I would assume that it will charge from a micro USB lead, probably the same as a phone, so just buy a phone charger plug and you're good to go..

[SMB]

Bear in mind that is a site in China not the us, after import taxes is it really worth it?

[SMB]

Bear in mind that is a site in China not the us, after import taxes is it really worth it?

[pavka007]

Rs2oo said:

Here's the item.
http://www.gearbest.com/tablet-pcs/pp_110914.html?...

Why?? Go to Argos and you can get UK product, with Argos return policy to protect you and you can have it in 20 min (or depends how close is your Argos shop)
£59.99 especially for you
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1...

[pavka007]

Or you could do even better in Amazon for just 27 quid
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_st_price-asc-rank...

[igiveup]

pavka007 said:

Rs2oo said:

Here's the item.
http://www.gearbest.com/tablet-pcs/pp_110914.html?...

Why?? Go to Argos and you can get UK product, with Argos return policy to protect you and you can have it in 20 min (or depends how close is your Argos shop)
£59.99 especially for you
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1...

That one from Argos is a better tablet by miles. I've bought a few of these cheap Chinese device and all no longer work as they did and that's after only 6 months use and for various reasons.

[sgrimshaw]

Rs2oo said:

Here's the item.
http://www.gearbest.com/tablet-pcs/pp_110914.html?...

That really is a piece of s***

Don't waste your money.

[Rs2oo]

Just wanted a cheap handbag size tablet for the wife, we have an Asus which we are very happy with and this looks the part. However, I will take advice and go for the one on Argos. I have ordered a watch and sports health band from this site so will see what the quality is like and if I get stung by import duty !

[Sheepshanks]

Rs2oo said:

Sheepshanks said:

What's the item? A lot of cheapish stuff has a separate power supply - either a wall-wart or power brick. They're usually (but not always) multi-voltage.

Here's the item.
http://www.gearbest.com/tablet-pcs/pp_110914.html?...

It says in the description: "AC adapter: 100-240V" so voltage wise it'll be fine, you just might need to use some sort of US to UK adapter. Or, as others have suggested, it may well take a standard USB charger.