16amp > 13amp ??

[dj-joshua]

Hi I recently bought a Squire ten way electronic switch panel which has a 16 amp plug on it I want to convert it to 13amp uk standard plug I know you can buy an adapter but is it possible to take the 16amp plug off and change it for a 13amp Plug ??

 

Thanks

Joshua

[paulears]

This is fine - the only snag you might find is physically squeezing the thick cable into a normal 13A plug - MK plugs seem to have the largest cable entry and most use the nylon 'prong' to anchor the cable rather than the older saddle fixing - these were always very difficult to get to fit large cable.

[dj-joshua]

Ok thanks for the advice ill give it ago

[KevinE]

Permaplug are particularly accomodating!

 

http://lv.farnell.com/productimages/farnell/standard/42409392.jpg

[dmxtothemax]

This is fine - the only snag you might find is physically squeezing the thick cable into a normal 13A plug - MK plugs seem to have the largest cable entry and most use the nylon 'prong' to anchor the cable rather than the older saddle fixing - these were always very difficult to get to fit large cable.

 

If the cable is too large to fit into the plug, try buying a heavy duty or extra heavy duty plug as these are designed for the larger size cables. you can tell by the model number, such as 312HD, OR 312EHD.

You might have to go to a specialist supplier or electrical wholesaler for these plugs.

[tom_the_LD]

Yup that's fine to do.

 

Another alternative, depending on the cable length, is to chop the 16A connector and cable off say just under a foot from the end. Buy a 13A plug and a 13A socket, which together will not cost too much at all, then you've got a 13A plug on it as well as an adapter if you ever want to run it off 16A. Saves buying/making up a separate adapter which would, probably, cost more!

[dj-joshua]

Ok thanks iv fitted a plug to it and it works thanks

[dunk_1984]

Another alternative, depending on the cable length, is to chop the 16A connector and cable off say just under a foot from the end. Buy a 13A plug and a 13A socket, which together will not cost too much at all, then you've got a 13A plug on it as well as an adapter if you ever want to run it off 16A. Saves buying/making up a separate adapter which would, probably, cost more!

 

Why? It would be more appropriate to use a 13-16, rather than replacing the plug and then making an adapter to convert it back. Likewise the cost difference would be negligible.

 

Anyhow, it has been sorted.

[billy jim]

But surely if the OP wants to use it on 13a as standard, it would make most sense to have it on that, and then have a converter just in case?

[PaulDF]

It doesn't make any difference.

[dunk_1984]

It doesn't make any difference.

 

I would argue it does. Having a 16a plug on the unit, means you are limited to 16a when fed from a 16a supply, with a 13-16 you are then limited to 13a. However with a 13a plug on the appliance you are limited to 13a and still limited to 13a when fed from a 16a supply.

 

OK, only a 3a difference in this scenario, but the same logic can be applied to larger connectors and supplies. Obviously supposing it is appropriate, I'm not suggesting someone puts a 63a connector on their kettle for when they come across the socket.

 

It suited the OP to fit a 13a plug, and they have done this. My comment was simply aimed at the suggestion of cutting the cable and making an adapter also. If they were making an adapter it would be more suitable to have this as a 13-16.

[billy jim]

But surely that would work out more expensive, as the OP would have to buy a trailing ceeform socket- far more expensive than a 13a trailing socket.

[TomHoward]

I have to confess (although the thread is pretty much wound up now) I did think the same thing - 13-16 adapter would mean you could actually draw 16A from a 16A supply, otherwise you may as well have just used a 13A off the wall anyway.