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Global Forums > New Members Introductions > UK & US couple, new in Geneva, looking for help, advice on plug sockets!!
 
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UK & US couple, new in Geneva, looking for help, advice on plug sockets!!
Sep 25, 2011 @ 08:49

Hi Glocals,


my wife and I moved to Geneva a couple of days ago, and we seem to be having issues with some of the plugs on some of our electrical items - notably the more powerful items - vacuum cleaner, tv, computer etc. They all have thick 2-pin European plugs, which don't fit into the Swiss sockets. Rather than buying travel adaptors for each item, can we simply just rewire the plugs? I'm no electrician, so I don't know if that's a good idea or not. Any other tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks A&J 

The text you are quoting:

Hi Glocals,


my wife and I moved to Geneva a couple of days ago, and we seem to be having issues with some of the plugs on some of our electrical items - notably the more powerful items - vacuum cleaner, tv, computer etc. They all have thick 2-pin European plugs, which don't fit into the Swiss sockets. Rather than buying travel adaptors for each item, can we simply just rewire the plugs? I'm no electrician, so I don't know if that's a good idea or not. Any other tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks A&J 


Adrian MSep 25, 2011 @ 08:49
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Re: UK & US couple, new in Geneva, looking for help, advice on plug sockets!!
Post 1
Sep 25, 2011 @ 09:09

Jan 1, 70 01:00

Thanks Reka. Looks like I might become best mates with our local InterDiscount!


 

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Thanks Reka. Looks like I might become best mates with our local InterDiscount!


 


Adrian M, Sep 25, 2011 @ 09:09
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Re: UK & US couple, new in Geneva, looking for help, advice on plug sockets!!
Post 2
Sep 25, 2011 @ 11:03

Adrian,


Installing new plugs is not difficult at all. (as long as your appliance is 220vac) All you need is a screwdriver, a pair of wire cutter/strippers and some patience. As Reka stated, adapters and replacement Swiss plugs are available almost anywhere.


Good luck,


KEN///

The text you are quoting:

Adrian,


Installing new plugs is not difficult at all. (as long as your appliance is 220vac) All you need is a screwdriver, a pair of wire cutter/strippers and some patience. As Reka stated, adapters and replacement Swiss plugs are available almost anywhere.


Good luck,


KEN///


intlrep1, Sep 25, 2011 @ 11:03
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Re: UK & US couple, new in Geneva, looking for help, advice on plug sockets!!
Post 3
Sep 25, 2011 @ 15:17

Thanks Ken.

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Thanks Ken.


Adrian M, Sep 25, 2011 @ 15:17
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Re: UK & US couple, new in Geneva, looking for help, advice on plug sockets!!
Post 4
Sep 27, 2011 @ 09:15

I'm in agreement with Ken, changing the plugs will be MUCH easier, the sockets over here are sometimes an awkward size to put adaptors into (some seem to press the light switch above...which as you can imagine isn't ideal!), changing them is a simple process, you'll find a guide online, I've had a brief look, but can't see one for EU to CH, but I'd imagine an EU to UK guide would suffice, as the Swiss plugs have the earthed wire additional, like the UK plug!


Reka's point is also important, when rewiring, you're modifying the equipment, and therefore taking away any approval of manufacture, if there was a fire, and the modification was found, your insurance may be void. (obviously worst worst case scenario, 80% of my plugs have been changed).


 


The other option is one adaptor in the socket, and an extension lead off that socket...depending on the appliances to be connected!

The text you are quoting:

I'm in agreement with Ken, changing the plugs will be MUCH easier, the sockets over here are sometimes an awkward size to put adaptors into (some seem to press the light switch above...which as you can imagine isn't ideal!), changing them is a simple process, you'll find a guide online, I've had a brief look, but can't see one for EU to CH, but I'd imagine an EU to UK guide would suffice, as the Swiss plugs have the earthed wire additional, like the UK plug!


Reka's point is also important, when rewiring, you're modifying the equipment, and therefore taking away any approval of manufacture, if there was a fire, and the modification was found, your insurance may be void. (obviously worst worst case scenario, 80% of my plugs have been changed).


 


The other option is one adaptor in the socket, and an extension lead off that socket...depending on the appliances to be connected!


Chris B, Sep 27, 2011 @ 09:15
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Re: UK & US couple, new in Geneva, looking for help, advice on plug sockets!!
Post 5
Sep 27, 2011 @ 16:27

I'm in agreement with Ken, changing the plugs will be MUCH easier, the sockets over here are sometimes an awkward size to put adaptors into (some seem to press the light switch above...which as you can imagine isn't ideal!), changing them is a simple process, you'll find a guide online, I've had a brief look, but can't see one for EU to CH, but I'd imagine an EU to UK guide would suffice, as the Swiss plugs have the earthed wire additional, like the UK plug!

Reka's point is also important, when rewiring, you're modifying the equipment, and therefore taking away any approval of manufacture, if there was a fire, and the modification was found, your insurance may be void. (obviously worst worst case scenario, 80% of my plugs have been changed).

 

The other option is one adaptor in the socket, and an extension lead off that socket...depending on the appliances to be connected!


Sep 27, 11 09:15

Hi Chris,


thanks for your help. We're going with the cheap little adaptor option. I found some in Migros for about Sfr6 ea.


Thanks again,


Adrian


 

The text you are quoting:

Hi Chris,


thanks for your help. We're going with the cheap little adaptor option. I found some in Migros for about Sfr6 ea.


Thanks again,


Adrian


 


Adrian M, Sep 27, 2011 @ 16:27
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