I bought a headphone amp from thomann and it's shipped with the 2 pin euro plug. I've bought a 'shavers only' 3 pin adaptor, but before I hook it up, thought I should check whether this is ok to do? Does it matter which pin goes to which socket on the adaptor?

Depends on what class of equipment the headphone amp is.

If it is class ii or double insulated (it will have a box within a box symbol on the mains rating label) then it doesn't need a mains safety earth and a proper two-pole euro adapter is fine (a shaver socket isn't the same as a euro plug). You can buy 13A uk plug shells that accept a euro plug inside which is a better and more reliable solution, or you can cut off the euro plug and rewire it to a proper uk plug if you are confident about your rewiring skills.

If it is a class I device it needs a mains safety earth which may or may not be connected properly through a euro adapter -- some do and some don't. Again, rewiring to a proper uk plug is a better solution.

Having said all that, the product should have a uk plug or an appropriate adapter fitted for sale in the uk, so it would be worth contacting thomann to get the right lead or adapter.

Hugh

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Technical Editor, Sound On Sound

Quote Hugh Robjohns:

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or you can cut off the euro plug and rewire it to a proper uk plug if you are confident about your rewiring skills.

Hugh

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+1, hence avoiding future problems. Not to be tried with US kit, though.

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Ohm's Law states, "Your PA isn't as powerful as you think it is".

Now I read the replies, I realise I've not given the right information inthe OP.

It's a two pin AC/AC adaptor (class II transformer, 230v 500ma)
It has the double insulated box sign on it too.

Agree that best course of action is to get the right thing from thomann,
However I'm needing an amp tomorrow- csn I use this in any temporary fashion or should I get borrowing?

Thanks

If it is class 2 you'll be fine, assuming your adapter accepts the euro plug properly. No mains safety earth issues to worry about.

Check out this euro plug adapter from Amazon For a safe and easy conversion.

Hugh

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Technical Editor, Sound On Sound

Great - so I'll get away with the shaver plug temporarily- does it matter which way round I plug the two pin in?

Either orientation is fine.

Thomann always seem to ship with Euro plugs - it's one of the downsides of ordering from there.

Amongst the FAQs on Thomann's site is one that explains the plug situation:

Quote:

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Important Information thomann For UK and Irish Customers - Plugs!

Please note that being a central European company all products are supplied with an EU 2 pin plug.

The voltage rates between the UK and Germany are the same, therefore depending on the product bought you can simply change thomann the plug to a kettle type lead, to purchase the correct 3 pin version from a local supplier or alternatively a simple travel type adaptor would also work.

New articles are now available at www.thomann.de! Try code 196220 for standard plugs, or alternatively for a more sturdy unit our thomann code 109614 - Thomann Adaptor Euro -> UK!!!!

Please note That you are welcome to change the plug yourself as an earth wire is included. However doing this will void your Moneyback guarantee and any future money back requests. Also, where a repair may be necessary - the thomann manufacturer may require the power supply as original.

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The first product above is a clam-shell style 'wrapper' to enclose a euro plug within a UK 13A plug top (much like the Amazon version I mentioned earelier). The second product is a simple plug adapter.

Clearly, if the product you are buying doesn't have an IEC socket (enabling you to replace the supplied Euro lead with a UK version from somewhere else), ordering one of these adapters would be wise!

hugh

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Technical Editor, Sound On Sound

oops. guilty as ever for not reading terms, conditions, small print etc

regardless, i contacted thomann last night, and this morning, no questions asked, no charge, they have dispatched one of the adaptors.

this is not the first time i've had excellent customer service from thomann, so a big thumbs up to them from me

thanks for your help with this folks.

Nice to hear they were so helpful.

Hugh

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Technical Editor, Sound On Sound