International Plugs and Power

Internation Plugs

A little bit more about International Plugs and Power.

USA, Canada and Japan use 110 Volts AC power.

NZ, Australia, the UK and South Africa all use 230 Volts AC power.

Both Australia and NZ use the same power and plugs, however the UK and South Africa use different plugs.

SA and the UK also have different plugs from each other.

Why do different countries use different plugs and have different electrical voltages?

Because everybody wants to do their own thing!!!

It would be so much easier if everybody was to do the same thing. But NO!! Everybody wants to be different.

Such is life.

The USA was the first country to supply electricity on a large scale to the public. Called the national grid.

It was discovered later that 230 Volts AC power ran more efficiently than 110 Volts. Therefore smaller cables and electrical switchgear could be used making installation costs cheaper. One for NZ!

Most metals are good conductors of electric current. Copper is a better conductor than steel and gold is a better, yet more expensive, conductor than copper.

For this reason gold is used in microchips.

Putting it simply, the faster electric current will flow through a chip the faster it will work.

If you need an Auckland based Electrician call Blue Light Electrical on 027 572 7000.

Sparking Appliances

Wall Fan Heater

If any sparks appear coming form your appliance switch it off immediately and call an Electrician.

Sparks = Fire!!!
The last thing you want is your house to burn down.

Winter is the time when fires from heaters are most likely to appear.

Things to watch out for:
1. Keep all heaters and candles away from curtains especially ones blowing in the wind.
2. Check to see if any leads have the wires exposed or are frayed.
3. Dark brown spots on electric blankets. These could indicate faulty wiring.
4. Close the fire curtain on fires that are sparking.
5. If you need to answer the phone turn the cooking off or check it regularly.

Things to NOT do:
1. Don’t place clothing over heaters to dry. They will burn.
2. Don’t use faulty appliances.
3. Don’t try to fix any faulty electrical appliance with the lead still plugged in.
4. Don’t let your children play with candles or matches.

Teach your children that they shouldn’t use matches. Only an adult should use them.
Be a good example to your children. If you do stupid things with fire they will do them.

Things to do:
1. Fit a smoke detector and replace the battery if it constantly beeps.
2. Call an Electrician if any appliance, light fitting or anything electrical is faulty.

If you have any further queries call Blue Light Electrical on Mob. 027 572 7000.

This article also appears at http://bluelightelectrical.blogspot.co.nz/