Paul,
I think that in some respects, those adapters, should be banned.
I recently saw an adapter, to convert a Schuko plug to an NZ plug and when the two were fitted together, there was no Earthing on the Metallic frame of the appliance (A German Commercial Pop-corn Maker).
Also, I remember a tourist from Canada, a few years ago, brought his wife's Hair- Dryer in to work to be repaired, it was extensively damaged, it was a 120V type, he told me that the guy in the shop in Canada, told him that the adapter would "work" in any country in the world!.
Where do these people come from?,eh?. [Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by Trumpy (edited 04-03-2003).]