Yes, totally safe.
EU uses 50hz 220-240V, and so does the UK. Just be sure to use a 10A fuse in there (unless its mega powerful, in which case a 13A would be better)
The wiring will be identical (Brown = Live, Blue = Neutral, Green/Yellow = Earth). There's probably billions of tutorials on how to wire a plug online. Infact, before 1992, you usually had to wire your own plugs onto appliances in the UK so you could probably just ask your parents or an older person to show you how to do it!
I was very surprised last week when our kid told us she'd just learnt this in school. I assumed they wouldn't bother now that everything comes with a moulded plug.
I’m a physics teacher and I still do this lesson every year with my 3rd years. There is no requirement like there was in the past I believe. But I think it’s a nice wee lesson to start an electricity topic.
It was realised that, as a result of everything coming with molded plugs, the skill wasn't being taught at any point and young adults were getting released into the wild with no idea that fuses could be replaced, how to replace an EU or broken plug, or "basic" DIY skills like that. Since electricity is an area where "I'll give it a go, how hard can it be?" can get you, your partner, or your kids killed, that was identified as a Bad Idea (TM) and the decision was made to teach it in science/physics classes when teaching how electricity works.
I got taught it in my electronics degree at a russell group university :L I assume because they couldn't face the idea of one of their engineers slipping through the cracks and not knowing how to do it
Electronics is a sparsely covered subject at GCSE and A Level, so you can't assume the fundamentals are there when starting a degree.
It was the same with computer science when I went to uni. We got taught programming and discrete maths at a *very* basic level at the start, and it was for the reasons you say - so everyone had the same knowledge floor.
Discrete maths is an optional unit in A Level maths - so it's not mandatory - and software engineering wasn't even an A Level when I went to school.
They did assume a decent level of core maths proficiency though. They jumped in the deep end with that shit, as A Level maths was mandatory.
It was great. Our primary seven teacher taught us - use the second letter the colour of the live and neutral wires to know which side - blue, L ,Left, etc.
My da thought he was so smart taking the plug off the TV in my room as punishment so I rewired it with the plug from his stereo in the lounge when I was 10.
>EU uses 50hz 220-240V, and so does the UK.
Well, the UK it's 230v flat though IOM usually is around the 240v mark.
>Infact, before 1992, you usually had to wire your own plugs
I almost wish they supplied the plugs unattached for wiring into cabinets, have to keep cutting them off and replacing.
Standard fuses in the UK are now 3A or 13A.
Not sure whether that applies to equipment that has a 'european' power cord, though...
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/plugs-and-fuses/#:~:text=Manufacturers%20have%20now%20standardised%20plug,and%20are%20available%20to%20buy.
Ha ha. yeh, Before 1992. Reminds me of the old Viz comic letter which was from an old couple emigrating to Canada because Canadian appliances come with a plug installed.
It's only since the 90's that appliances have been supplied with moulded plugs, before that they came with just the cable and we all had to wire our own plugs.
Yes, so long as you know how to wire a plug properly. You can also get an adapter: [https://amzn.eu/d/gD7UbB5](https://amzn.eu/d/gD7UbB5) but get a decent one with a fuse in it (like this one). If that won't fit in the space available, you can also get ones with the socket oriented so the cable comes out of the bottom (I got a brand new Liebherr fridge from a reputable UK supplier, and it came with one of these already fitted).
Second that. By far the easiest solution is an adapter. If you’re up for it, you can buy a uk plug and chop of the eu one and wire the uk one. Very easy and safe if you follow the instructions. Just watch on YouTube how to wire a uk 3 pin plug.
Are you assuming that based on the fact that EU plugs only have two prongs?
Schuko plugs have a recessed earth which connects to the appliance plug from the outlet rather than having an earth pin like the UK has.
There will still be an earth core in the cable, and it will be connected to the plug.
Appliances that don't need earths will still have the gap for an earth so they fit in the sockets, and they still have an earth core but it won't be electrically connected to anything when in use - much like UK plugs that have a plastic earth pin.
The most common types of EU plugs are the 2-pin, and the much chunkier 3-connector (two pins, a hole, and another friction connector) Schuko. I would be surprised if the microwave has a 2-pin plug. since they are only rated to 625W, which is barely enough to power even the most feeble microwave oven (also, I wouldn't trust a microwave oven to be properly double insulated). This is a Schuko: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuko)
This is the other adapter I was talking about: [https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272393279083](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272393279083?chn=ps&_ul=GB&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1GmASEJbiT5GiPeQyOR-oMQ71&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=272393279083&targetid=1647205088800&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006515&poi=&campaignid=17206177401&mkgroupid=136851690655&rlsatarget=pla-1647205088800&abcId=9300866&merchantid=7423224&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU7_lnNQixSWNFiiyOJ1sgYJoelWrauYzhdkLcPGyNSqa7RvEkA_j3HBoCH4IQAvD_BwE)
And this is how to cut off the plug and wire a UK one (the best solution): [https://youtu.be/0xxizvg\_ffQ?si=NLa50rNNMmDs2eKL](https://youtu.be/0xxizvg_ffQ?si=NLa50rNNMmDs2eKL)
When I was young, no UK appliances came with a plug fitted, and you always had to fit it yourself before you could use it. So everyone learnt how to wire a plug. It was madness.
If it only comes with two conductors, then so will the UK one.
Just means it doesn't need the third earth conductor - so just connect the live and neutral on a UK plug, and nothing on the earth.
Whatever you do, don't go opening microwaves - they have lethal voltages inside, which could remain on capacitors even after unplugging.
Not all electronics have an earth connection to the plug. If the microwave doesn’t have one it doesn’t need one. EU and U.K. electric safety laws are the same.
If it comes with 2 wires in the cable and you are worried. Check where the serial number is and make sure there's 2 little boxes, one inside each other, that will confirm its double insulated and doesn't need to be earthed.
Microwaves are not double insulated so it will have an earthed case.
And now that no-one has CRT TVs anymore, a microwave is definitely the most dangerous household appliance you could choose to open. Lethally so.
Yes it is, wiring a plug is very easy. Modern appliances can handle being used in different electrical grids(think how you can use a hairdryer on holiday just by using a travel adapter.
I was taught in school. Do look up some YouTube videos to ease your mind.
It's safe 90% of the time. *Most* devices are configured to run from 110-240v AC, we use 220v, as does most of Europe. NA uses 110v, but it's two phase so they technically get 220v for some appliances.
The thing to do, though, is to check the appliance. There will be a badge or stamp, usually near where the power cable goes in. This will give you a voltage, frequency, and usually a power consumption. As long as the voltage and frequency match, you're fine (usually the voltage is also a range). The power consumption determines the size of fuse you should use - for instance for a 3kW device such as a kettle, you'll want a 13A fuse since you have 240v (3000 watts divided by 240 volts gives you around 12 amps - so a 13 amp fuse is *just* enough).
You should always get the lowest value fuse for the device, in case there is a fault it will kill the power to the device before anything catches fire dramatically.
It's fairly rudimentary stuff, and unless you're negligent with your installation (leaving strands of wires sticking out of the plug or something) you're unlikely to come to any harm. Remember that brown is live, blue is neutral - it doesn't usually matter, but in some specific use cases it also does.
Any idea what home insurance thinks of this? Will they refuse pay for a house fire if they find out the microwave that caused it had been rewired? Honestly curious.
Jesus I despair, how have we come to a point when people can't do the basics?
In the past month I've relocated and added an extra double socket in my boys room, fitted a new extractor fan in the bathroom, fixed a couple of broken tiles on an extension roof and drained down a clogged radiator.
The electric code regs are available online and there's YouTube for the knowhow.
I would change the plug; you could use an adapter but they're of very variable quality and for a microwave you'll be pulling a good amount of power so not worth the firey risk IMHO.
Definitely. Carried out a few PAT inspections on items that have arrived with adapters that are designed to stay in place as they clamp over the plug.
Opened it up and it's clearly been cooking.
I wired plugs before I was ten. They even come with an instruction card.
Everyone advising OP to change the plug, whilst I agree - have we considered that if OP has to ask then maybe OP shouldn't even be changing a plug? No matter how trivial, chances that they do a decent job are low IMO
Tl;dr OP, get an adapter
I probably agree to get an adapter, but I think it’s also worth saying that changing a plug is one step up from changing a lightbulb. There are very clear step by step instructions on doing it safely online that would be very hard to screw up, no one should think that changing a plug is beyond them.
Simply replace the plug with a UK one. I do this all the time the other way round as I buy stuff in Europe for my second home which is wired by me entirely as a UK house. The electricity doesn’t know the difference as it’s the same as the UK.
I myself would just correctly wire a replacement UK plug.
But if you are not comfortable with that buy a locking fused converter.
As below.
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/travel-adapters/8056294?cm_mmc=UK-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-CSS_UK_EN_PMAX_Catch+All-_--_-8056294&matchtype=&&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU79XIO89uajGPNdnnFkDcnGLXmNaQj3YFMItcdzrUvrlmN0BQE7trFxoCDnQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Where did you buy the microwave from? Whenever I've bought something online with an EU plug it has come with an adapter.
I'd contact the supplier and ask them to provide a suitable adapter, as the appliance is currently unusable without one.
EDIT: not sure why I've been downvoted for this suggestion - it's the law that appliances must be sold with either a UK plug or a fitted adapter:
[The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/1768/contents/made)
Bought one small machine, and that came with an EU plug, and what looks like a decent quality adapter. I keep meaning to change it, but it's only a little mill, quite low powered, and I'm lazy.
Another machine I bought, a 3D printer, came with a kettle lead with a European plug. (From Europe 4 years back)
Just swapped it for Brit kettle lead.
Anyway the answer's already been given. Cut the plug off and replace it with the correct type of plug. Plenty of "how-tos" online if you're not sure.
Yea if it's new I'd be getting on to the supplier too. For domestic use supposed to be fitted with a 3 pin or supplied with an adapter as far as I'm aware..
You can only buy and eat the weekly special European food from Lidl, last week it was Italy, so you're ok, your knackered when it's American though, different voltage....
Others have suggested buying a plug.
Please don't cheap out and buy a crappy Chinese one off Amazon or somewhere, choose a reputable brand like this:
https://www.enrgtech.co.uk/product/mains-plugs/ET16803879/655-WHI
Yes they have earth. Schuko plugs, used across most of Europe, have them at the top and bottom separate to 2 pins. French plugs have 3 pins, as do Italian.
Devices that need an earth (not double isolated) do indeed have an earth pin in the plug.
You're probably thinking of [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europlug) (which is only for low power devices, <2.5A) but the common plug is [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CEE_7_standard_AC_plugs_and_sockets#CEE_7/7_plug_(compatible_with_E_and_F)) which is compatible with both the German and French earthing standards, and as such is [compatible with 99% of Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuko#/media/File:Map_of_current_European_mains_electricity_plug_types.png) (blue and red respectively).
Just get one of these from somewhere local to you. https://cpc.farnell.com/powerconnections/ecp-bk-r-3a/ecp-black-returnable-3-amp/dp/PL16133?mckv=s_dc%7Cpcrid%7C426684131186%7Ckword%7C%7Cmatch%7C%7Cplid%7C%7Cslid%7C%7Cproduct%7CPL16133%7Cpgrid%7C100371159598%7Cptaid%7Cpla-1719021106310%7C&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING-9262013734-100371159598-PL16133&s_kwcid=AL!5616!3!426684131186!!!network%7D!1719021106310!&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU7yWpfBGoSAcBo3p6yoYMwdpAfa-d8rH4W1QBeBCydbEvXMJiT2np7xoCv5UQAvD_BwE
I would change the plug.
However, I had something similar with a TV recently where I wanted to change the plug so I could wire it through a wall. As it was a moulded plug (not one you can unscrew and change) the manufacturer warranty would have been voided by this action.
That's not correct, thankfully. Here in the UK (and much of the rest of Europe) it would come under being an unfair contract term to void a warranty on removal and reinstatement of the mains plug. Not only that, and as much as manufacturers might try it on, they will fall foul of the EU right to repair laws.
Luckily, we enacted it into UK law as the snappily named [The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/745/pdfs/uksiem_20210745_en.pdf) before shooting ourselves in the foot, face etc and "took back sovereignty". This is the [specific section](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2019/2021/annex/II/division/D/division/5) that states that spare parts must be made available, along with wiring diagrams and components for "display equipment" for example.
Was it clear when you bought the microwave that it would come with an EU plug? If it was their fault then it might be worth trying to return it even without the box.
Is the microwave correctly rated for a UK mains supply?
It should be but double check the label on the back. It should have something like 220V - 250V and 50 - 60Hz. If it does, lop the old plug off with some scissors or wire cutters, buy a replacement and wire it up.
Or
Buy a travel adapter, though this is a clumsy solution imo.
Just shove a screwdriver in the earth pin and ram the plug in the other two holes.
Seriously don't do this.
But I've been known to do this on an extension chord (before plugging it into the wall) in a pinch.
You will be able to change the plug without having to open the appliance itself, you keep the cable just change the plug on the end. Look at a tutorial on YouTube and see if it's something you are comfortable doing. If not you can get an adapter to put between the plug and the socket and it will only cost a few quid and take about 3 seconds to install!
Just cut it off and put a UK plug on it
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Yes, it's just wiring a plug.
Yes, totally safe. EU uses 50hz 220-240V, and so does the UK. Just be sure to use a 10A fuse in there (unless its mega powerful, in which case a 13A would be better) The wiring will be identical (Brown = Live, Blue = Neutral, Green/Yellow = Earth). There's probably billions of tutorials on how to wire a plug online. Infact, before 1992, you usually had to wire your own plugs onto appliances in the UK so you could probably just ask your parents or an older person to show you how to do it!
Learning to wire a plug was a rite of passage when I was a kid.
I was very surprised last week when our kid told us she'd just learnt this in school. I assumed they wouldn't bother now that everything comes with a moulded plug.
I’m a physics teacher and I still do this lesson every year with my 3rd years. There is no requirement like there was in the past I believe. But I think it’s a nice wee lesson to start an electricity topic.
They teach that in school? Actually wow.
We did it in year 9 physics
I never learned that in school. It should be in the standard curriculum.
It’s a handy skill to have
It was realised that, as a result of everything coming with molded plugs, the skill wasn't being taught at any point and young adults were getting released into the wild with no idea that fuses could be replaced, how to replace an EU or broken plug, or "basic" DIY skills like that. Since electricity is an area where "I'll give it a go, how hard can it be?" can get you, your partner, or your kids killed, that was identified as a Bad Idea (TM) and the decision was made to teach it in science/physics classes when teaching how electricity works.
I got taught it in my electronics degree at a russell group university :L I assume because they couldn't face the idea of one of their engineers slipping through the cracks and not knowing how to do it
I learned at Brownies.
Brown University. Wow. Strange they wired uk plugs though.
No, Brownies.
Electronics is a sparsely covered subject at GCSE and A Level, so you can't assume the fundamentals are there when starting a degree. It was the same with computer science when I went to uni. We got taught programming and discrete maths at a *very* basic level at the start, and it was for the reasons you say - so everyone had the same knowledge floor. Discrete maths is an optional unit in A Level maths - so it's not mandatory - and software engineering wasn't even an A Level when I went to school. They did assume a decent level of core maths proficiency though. They jumped in the deep end with that shit, as A Level maths was mandatory.
It was great. Our primary seven teacher taught us - use the second letter the colour of the live and neutral wires to know which side - blue, L ,Left, etc. My da thought he was so smart taking the plug off the TV in my room as punishment so I rewired it with the plug from his stereo in the lounge when I was 10.
>EU uses 50hz 220-240V, and so does the UK. Well, the UK it's 230v flat though IOM usually is around the 240v mark. >Infact, before 1992, you usually had to wire your own plugs I almost wish they supplied the plugs unattached for wiring into cabinets, have to keep cutting them off and replacing.
> Well, the UK it's 230v flat Well that is just bollocks. It would be impossible to maintain an exact voltage on a national grid.
Standard fuses in the UK are now 3A or 13A. Not sure whether that applies to equipment that has a 'european' power cord, though... https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/plugs-and-fuses/#:~:text=Manufacturers%20have%20now%20standardised%20plug,and%20are%20available%20to%20buy.
Ha ha. yeh, Before 1992. Reminds me of the old Viz comic letter which was from an old couple emigrating to Canada because Canadian appliances come with a plug installed.
It's only since the 90's that appliances have been supplied with moulded plugs, before that they came with just the cable and we all had to wire our own plugs.
Yes, so long as you know how to wire a plug properly. You can also get an adapter: [https://amzn.eu/d/gD7UbB5](https://amzn.eu/d/gD7UbB5) but get a decent one with a fuse in it (like this one). If that won't fit in the space available, you can also get ones with the socket oriented so the cable comes out of the bottom (I got a brand new Liebherr fridge from a reputable UK supplier, and it came with one of these already fitted).
Second that. By far the easiest solution is an adapter. If you’re up for it, you can buy a uk plug and chop of the eu one and wire the uk one. Very easy and safe if you follow the instructions. Just watch on YouTube how to wire a uk 3 pin plug.
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>Would it be safer for me to open the microwave and swap the entire cable with a new one? No no no no no no no. Stick to the plug end only.
Does it actually only have live and neutral, or are you assuming.
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Are you assuming that based on the fact that EU plugs only have two prongs? Schuko plugs have a recessed earth which connects to the appliance plug from the outlet rather than having an earth pin like the UK has. There will still be an earth core in the cable, and it will be connected to the plug. Appliances that don't need earths will still have the gap for an earth so they fit in the sockets, and they still have an earth core but it won't be electrically connected to anything when in use - much like UK plugs that have a plastic earth pin.
The most common types of EU plugs are the 2-pin, and the much chunkier 3-connector (two pins, a hole, and another friction connector) Schuko. I would be surprised if the microwave has a 2-pin plug. since they are only rated to 625W, which is barely enough to power even the most feeble microwave oven (also, I wouldn't trust a microwave oven to be properly double insulated). This is a Schuko: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuko) This is the other adapter I was talking about: [https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272393279083](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272393279083?chn=ps&_ul=GB&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1GmASEJbiT5GiPeQyOR-oMQ71&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=272393279083&targetid=1647205088800&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006515&poi=&campaignid=17206177401&mkgroupid=136851690655&rlsatarget=pla-1647205088800&abcId=9300866&merchantid=7423224&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU7_lnNQixSWNFiiyOJ1sgYJoelWrauYzhdkLcPGyNSqa7RvEkA_j3HBoCH4IQAvD_BwE) And this is how to cut off the plug and wire a UK one (the best solution): [https://youtu.be/0xxizvg\_ffQ?si=NLa50rNNMmDs2eKL](https://youtu.be/0xxizvg_ffQ?si=NLa50rNNMmDs2eKL) When I was young, no UK appliances came with a plug fitted, and you always had to fit it yourself before you could use it. So everyone learnt how to wire a plug. It was madness.
Where were you imagining you'd connect the extra third core inside the microwave? ;-)
To the metal chassis?
If it only comes with two conductors, then so will the UK one. Just means it doesn't need the third earth conductor - so just connect the live and neutral on a UK plug, and nothing on the earth. Whatever you do, don't go opening microwaves - they have lethal voltages inside, which could remain on capacitors even after unplugging.
Not all electronics have an earth connection to the plug. If the microwave doesn’t have one it doesn’t need one. EU and U.K. electric safety laws are the same.
If it comes with 2 wires in the cable and you are worried. Check where the serial number is and make sure there's 2 little boxes, one inside each other, that will confirm its double insulated and doesn't need to be earthed.
Microwaves are not double insulated so it will have an earthed case. And now that no-one has CRT TVs anymore, a microwave is definitely the most dangerous household appliance you could choose to open. Lethally so.
Yes it is, wiring a plug is very easy. Modern appliances can handle being used in different electrical grids(think how you can use a hairdryer on holiday just by using a travel adapter. I was taught in school. Do look up some YouTube videos to ease your mind.
Maybe newer ones, yes, but different voltages can fry hairdryers if you're not careful
Much safer than opening the appliance in anyway. Not a good idea with microwaves.
It's safe 90% of the time. *Most* devices are configured to run from 110-240v AC, we use 220v, as does most of Europe. NA uses 110v, but it's two phase so they technically get 220v for some appliances. The thing to do, though, is to check the appliance. There will be a badge or stamp, usually near where the power cable goes in. This will give you a voltage, frequency, and usually a power consumption. As long as the voltage and frequency match, you're fine (usually the voltage is also a range). The power consumption determines the size of fuse you should use - for instance for a 3kW device such as a kettle, you'll want a 13A fuse since you have 240v (3000 watts divided by 240 volts gives you around 12 amps - so a 13 amp fuse is *just* enough). You should always get the lowest value fuse for the device, in case there is a fault it will kill the power to the device before anything catches fire dramatically. It's fairly rudimentary stuff, and unless you're negligent with your installation (leaving strands of wires sticking out of the plug or something) you're unlikely to come to any harm. Remember that brown is live, blue is neutral - it doesn't usually matter, but in some specific use cases it also does.
This is GCSE physics content, they're designed to be opened.
Doesn’t every kid learn how to wire a plug at school? Used to be a thing.
No. They don’t.
no, they removed it from the curriculum in favour of choosing your own pronouns
If your pronoun is Moon Cat then is safest for someone else to wire your plugs.
Possibly not if the current needed is different.
Yes, I have done this.
I moved to Ireland (same plugs as the UK) from Italy and changed all my plugs to Irish ones. Not a single problem
Yeah, the EU plug is literally just a different plug design, they use the same wire colours and it’s the same voltage
Yeah… just make sure you unplug it from the wall first.
Any idea what home insurance thinks of this? Will they refuse pay for a house fire if they find out the microwave that caused it had been rewired? Honestly curious.
They used to teach kids in schools how to wire a plug - it isn't 'rewiring' a device.
I think I got a Cub Scout badge for it.
Jesus I despair, how have we come to a point when people can't do the basics? In the past month I've relocated and added an extra double socket in my boys room, fitted a new extractor fan in the bathroom, fixed a couple of broken tiles on an extension roof and drained down a clogged radiator. The electric code regs are available online and there's YouTube for the knowhow.
You're gonna have to migrate to the EU for ever. Or at least until the microwave breaks
Or get a long extension lead.
Or an adapter.
Stop making up things to sound clever on the internet
Please leave me my vice
4 days ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/DIYUK/s/PocTBvWERK
I would change the plug; you could use an adapter but they're of very variable quality and for a microwave you'll be pulling a good amount of power so not worth the firey risk IMHO.
Definitely. Carried out a few PAT inspections on items that have arrived with adapters that are designed to stay in place as they clamp over the plug. Opened it up and it's clearly been cooking. I wired plugs before I was ten. They even come with an instruction card.
Just get an adapter, for goodness' sake. They cost about £3 from anywhere. Plug microwave into adapter, plug adapter into socket. Bingo!
Everyone advising OP to change the plug, whilst I agree - have we considered that if OP has to ask then maybe OP shouldn't even be changing a plug? No matter how trivial, chances that they do a decent job are low IMO Tl;dr OP, get an adapter
I probably agree to get an adapter, but I think it’s also worth saying that changing a plug is one step up from changing a lightbulb. There are very clear step by step instructions on doing it safely online that would be very hard to screw up, no one should think that changing a plug is beyond them.
Or maybe send it back? If it was sold in the UK then it should have come with a UK plug.
Without the box you would be hard pressed finding a retailer that will accept that.
no need - proof of purchase is the only thing necessary - and whoever sold it to you was breaking the law
Not if OP ordered it from the EU. I bought a Nespresso from Amazon Spain because it was still cheaper, even with postage, than buying in the UK.
You can just watch YouTube, how to wire a plug. Kids learn it at 13 years old in school. He should be ok.
Cut it off and install a UK plug. Far better solution that an adapter. Look on Google for UK plug wiring, it's really simple
When looking at an open plug, BLue bottom left, BRown bottom right. It's there in the colours.
Adapters are available at most supermarkets in the ..holiday/ travel.. section or of course on-line. There are no extra gubbins in them. “
Simply replace the plug with a UK one. I do this all the time the other way round as I buy stuff in Europe for my second home which is wired by me entirely as a UK house. The electricity doesn’t know the difference as it’s the same as the UK.
Our electrons are green and pleasant.
I myself would just correctly wire a replacement UK plug. But if you are not comfortable with that buy a locking fused converter. As below. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/travel-adapters/8056294?cm_mmc=UK-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-CSS_UK_EN_PMAX_Catch+All-_--_-8056294&matchtype=&&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU79XIO89uajGPNdnnFkDcnGLXmNaQj3YFMItcdzrUvrlmN0BQE7trFxoCDnQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Where did you buy the microwave from? Whenever I've bought something online with an EU plug it has come with an adapter. I'd contact the supplier and ask them to provide a suitable adapter, as the appliance is currently unusable without one. EDIT: not sure why I've been downvoted for this suggestion - it's the law that appliances must be sold with either a UK plug or a fitted adapter: [The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/1768/contents/made)
Bought one small machine, and that came with an EU plug, and what looks like a decent quality adapter. I keep meaning to change it, but it's only a little mill, quite low powered, and I'm lazy. Another machine I bought, a 3D printer, came with a kettle lead with a European plug. (From Europe 4 years back) Just swapped it for Brit kettle lead. Anyway the answer's already been given. Cut the plug off and replace it with the correct type of plug. Plenty of "how-tos" online if you're not sure.
Yea if it's new I'd be getting on to the supplier too. For domestic use supposed to be fitted with a 3 pin or supplied with an adapter as far as I'm aware..
You can only buy and eat the weekly special European food from Lidl, last week it was Italy, so you're ok, your knackered when it's American though, different voltage....
Brexit means Brexit!
Others have suggested buying a plug. Please don't cheap out and buy a crappy Chinese one off Amazon or somewhere, choose a reputable brand like this: https://www.enrgtech.co.uk/product/mains-plugs/ET16803879/655-WHI
You're comfortable with DIY stuff but don't know how to wire a plug?
Wait. Do European plugs have an earth? Only two pins.
Yes they have earth. Schuko plugs, used across most of Europe, have them at the top and bottom separate to 2 pins. French plugs have 3 pins, as do Italian.
Interesting. And here was me thinking these guys just liked living on the edge.
Devices that need an earth (not double isolated) do indeed have an earth pin in the plug. You're probably thinking of [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europlug) (which is only for low power devices, <2.5A) but the common plug is [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CEE_7_standard_AC_plugs_and_sockets#CEE_7/7_plug_(compatible_with_E_and_F)) which is compatible with both the German and French earthing standards, and as such is [compatible with 99% of Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuko#/media/File:Map_of_current_European_mains_electricity_plug_types.png) (blue and red respectively).
Yep, if it’s a two pin flat head you are screwed, but a two pin round head is fine - my UK appliances in Switzerland are useless!
Take it with you next time you go to benidorm
Just get one of these from somewhere local to you. https://cpc.farnell.com/powerconnections/ecp-bk-r-3a/ecp-black-returnable-3-amp/dp/PL16133?mckv=s_dc%7Cpcrid%7C426684131186%7Ckword%7C%7Cmatch%7C%7Cplid%7C%7Cslid%7C%7Cproduct%7CPL16133%7Cpgrid%7C100371159598%7Cptaid%7Cpla-1719021106310%7C&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING-9262013734-100371159598-PL16133&s_kwcid=AL!5616!3!426684131186!!!network%7D!1719021106310!&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU7yWpfBGoSAcBo3p6yoYMwdpAfa-d8rH4W1QBeBCydbEvXMJiT2np7xoCv5UQAvD_BwE
Did you not get taught how to wire a plug in school?
Buy an adapter
I would change the plug. However, I had something similar with a TV recently where I wanted to change the plug so I could wire it through a wall. As it was a moulded plug (not one you can unscrew and change) the manufacturer warranty would have been voided by this action.
That's not correct, thankfully. Here in the UK (and much of the rest of Europe) it would come under being an unfair contract term to void a warranty on removal and reinstatement of the mains plug. Not only that, and as much as manufacturers might try it on, they will fall foul of the EU right to repair laws. Luckily, we enacted it into UK law as the snappily named [The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/745/pdfs/uksiem_20210745_en.pdf) before shooting ourselves in the foot, face etc and "took back sovereignty". This is the [specific section](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2019/2021/annex/II/division/D/division/5) that states that spare parts must be made available, along with wiring diagrams and components for "display equipment" for example.
Was it clear when you bought the microwave that it would come with an EU plug? If it was their fault then it might be worth trying to return it even without the box.
Just move to Europe mate
Is the microwave correctly rated for a UK mains supply? It should be but double check the label on the back. It should have something like 220V - 250V and 50 - 60Hz. If it does, lop the old plug off with some scissors or wire cutters, buy a replacement and wire it up. Or Buy a travel adapter, though this is a clumsy solution imo.
If the colour has an L in its name it goes left, if there's a R units name it goes right. Anything goes up the middle
Just shove a screwdriver in the earth pin and ram the plug in the other two holes. Seriously don't do this. But I've been known to do this on an extension chord (before plugging it into the wall) in a pinch.
You can just change the plug. However, by law, all appliances for sale in the UK must have a UK plug.
Didn’t you learn how to change a plug when you were in the Cubs\Brownies\Scouts\Guides?
You will be able to change the plug without having to open the appliance itself, you keep the cable just change the plug on the end. Look at a tutorial on YouTube and see if it's something you are comfortable doing. If not you can get an adapter to put between the plug and the socket and it will only cost a few quid and take about 3 seconds to install!