Message Forums

Can't say for sure, but I think the blue BS4343 outlet plug is the same on the continent. (It's not BS4343 now - it has a European number which I can't remember for the life of me!) - you should be able to confirm this quite easily, either thru the net or from a reputable retailer. If this is the case, you're good to go!

What I will say is that it's essential your EHU trips are DOUBLE POLE - ie. breaks live and neutral. This is because 220v European supplies are distributed 110v on the live, 110v on the neutral as opposed to UK 230v on the live, 0v  on the neutral. So by having double pole isolation, you won't get a nasty tickle! And make sure your RCD works by giving it a functional check - ie press the TEST or 'T' button when connected to a supply - it MUST trip out. If it does not, check there is a supply to it and try it again. If it still doesn't trip, it is defective and MUST be replaced.

Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 17/6/2009

---

At some older sites in France you may need THIS . For all it costs it may prove to be inavaluable. In saying that, we have one but never needed it.

---

On the adapter just swap the live and neutral wires ( brown and blue) in the round blue end i.e. not the two pin end.

That's what I did anyway- somebody will tell me I've been using a dangerous bit of kit for the last 28 years.

As blueexpo97 says, you may well need a continental adaptor.  Watch out for reverse polarity over there.  It renders the fuse useless in the event of an earth fault (assuming the circuit breaker does not work).  Test with a socket tester & turn the French plug through 180 degrees to correct the problem, or reverse your L+N on your blue plug REMEMBER TO CHANGE IT BACK THOUGH.

Steve.

Not as daft as it sounds.  We do "import" electricity from them under the sea.

Steve.