Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sheriffadam]

I've got some UK stuff here I'd like to use, I've got a 3-way adapter I'm going to change the plug on rather than change each device, I know the voltage is ok, Korea and UK are both 220V so sorted there,

But the Neutral/Live gets me, googling tells me it doesn't matter:

http://www.lanzaroterelocation.co.uk/wiring-a-spanish-plug-in-lanzarote/

But don't want to fry things when testing it out! Anyone tried this before?

[Underwaterbob]

I've never heard the "neutral" and "live" terminal thing before either, but it's AC that comes out of the wall. The "neutral" and "live" terminals are - for all practical purposes - identical. Just don't mix up your ground with either of them and you'll be fine.

[shutterbugguy]

With AC (alternating current), it doesn't matter for many items. In fact, you will notice that Korean outlets are not polarized: you can plug them in either way (right side up or the opposite), which changes the polarity anyway.

Just don't get the ground wire confused with "live" or "neutral."

[sheriffadam]

Good to check

I've got my knickers in a twist now, I'm putting a korean plug onto this:

http://www.binbin.net/photos/generic/4-w/4-way-surge-protected-extension-lead-with-2m-cable-4w-surge-strip-.jpg

I'm not sure if the UK devices, phone/camera etc are picky about neutral/live being reversed, the design of UK plus is that they are orientation specific? Obviously earth can't be used so that won't get in the way.

Or I'm overthinking it all!

[shutterbugguy]

With AC items, it isn't going to matter. Just be sure you get the earth/ground correct and not confused with the neutral or "hot" as we say in the USA. Probably a green wire inside your power strip for the earth ground, which IS part of the round Korean connector. The two round wires in Korea are possibly red and blue, in the USA they are red and black or black and white, for hot and neutral. I've never cut open a UK power cable, but I would expect the jacket of the ground to be green.

If you're worried, first try your cheapest UK powered item, like a cellphone charger to test. Then you're only out like 5000 KRW to replace it if you wired it wrong. I don't think you will.

Another idea, maybe a local hardware/electrical shop will wire it for you. Bring them the parts and they might do it for you for 10,000 KRW.

[sheriffadam]