ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades US plug in Aussie powerpoint

Here's what you do when you come back from overseas with an appliance fitted with a US plug


A slight twist to the pins ensures it fits the local socket thus:


The authorities don't like it of course given the obvious result, though given how prevalent this practice is I've never heard of someone receiving a shock. Depending on how soft the plug material is and how well you've twisted the pins you can get more of the plug into the GPO, but the above is a typical example.
Does anyone have other examples of plugs and sockets used this way? I have heard of the Continental 2 pin plug being forced into the UK square pin socket, though I believe it causes damage by forcing the socket pins apart.


[This message has been edited by aussie240 (edited 07-27-2005).]