I changed everything, except the Iron. As that has a funny fabric covered cord and I have a extension cord which I use with it, which now has a new swiss plug.

I did bring a power strip also and changed the plug on that. This is useful for plugs that cannot be changed. The ones on the power bricks. However, since then I have updated everything (mobiles, etc) so I don't use this anymore.

For wiring:

Brown -> 'L'
Blue -> 'N'
Green/yellow -> 'G' Middle

Of course, that is provided one does not live in an old building where the wires are so old they are not color coded and one has to play the guessing game - which actually happened at the first place I had when I moved here. Luckily the only thing that happened is that the circuit breaker would pop off when I made a wrong connection.

I hope it doesn't come in too late, but those look more like standard 220v 16A plugs than regular 10A ones. You should be a bit careful and make sure that you're not changing that one to a smaller 10A or a 12A, or it may heat up rather quickly. Not dangerous, as it would melt a bit around the connectors way faster than it would cause a short circuit, and you'd see it. Or smell it, at least. Or feel it too warm when unplugging.

What type of hi-fi is that ? Would it have a very powerful amplifier, by any chance ? I cannot think of any other reason why it would have such a high Amp requirement.

Try OBI. They have a pretty large selection, albeit pricey.

Also, I've Carrefour has some on sale this week (27.Nov) although not sure if the cable is longer than 4m on them (priced at almost 7 francs each).

Hello, my husband and I are moving from the US to Basel in about 2 months. We're trying to figure out what electrical things we should bring w/ us vs buying in CH.

Laptop? Printer?
TV? DVD? Stereo?
Coffee maker? Other small kitchen appliances?
Also, we're about to have a baby, so baby monitor and breast pump?

We have no idea how complicated it is or isn't to use these in Switzerland. Please help before we starting packing up our house! Thanks!!

Don't bother with anything electrical that has a motor. You'll have to buy expensive and bulky step converters (the electrical system here is different -- 220 vs. 110, the cycles are different, etc.) and the motors burn out fairly quickly. Your TV won't be compatible with the system here, so don't bother to move it, either. And clocks won't run correctly (even with a step converter), so don't bring any of them, either. Something to do with the cycles or something, I honestly can't remember now.

A laptop is about the only thing on your list that makes sense, honestly. And that's only because you can get them much cheaper in the US and you can switch the voltage on most (make sure yours can switch!!!).

I first found the spare plugs to be about 3 francs per plug at OBI, but then I found them for 1 franc at the co-op DIY/hardware store. However, the 1 franc version doesn't appear to be as good because they don't have the extra clamp that holds the main cable where it enters the plug.

Today, while I was dropping some stuff off at the dump / recycling depot, I found a special bin just for electrical cords. Although many cords had molded plugs on, about half had plugs on them that can easily be removed with a screwdriver and re-used. I grabbed a few of the nicer ones to take home with me. Having removed the old cords, I found that they are similar to the nice 3-franc versions. Sweet! Not only are you saving money by going with this option, you're also saving one more thing from the landfill.

One of the cheaper Migros 1chf plugs has a recessed philips screw that both requires a proper screwdriver, and is easily damaged. Additionally the cable clamp does not constrict enough to hold two core care 3A cable....
So I would recommend replacement IEC "kettle" cables where possible rather than ripping off moulded plugs. At least you get a fuse then too...
dave

Dear All

I am from india and my electrical equipmnt is totally useless over.I met a electric shock in the process too.I searched in carrefour and migros lindenplatz too for the conveter can someone help me in getin the coverter,

thanks
Subu.

We got a very small step-down converter (230V to 110V) from InterDiscount in Lausanne. Although they weren't on display, a shop assistant found one hidden in a drawer for us. To get something rated for more powerful equipment, we got one through an online retailer in Germany.

Being essentially a cheap-a***, I was wondering if you're likely to blow any fuses by plugging a UK four-gang socket with a Swiss adapter into the mains (provided you don't run too many high-wattage items)? I thought it might cut down on buying adapters for each itme that we're bringing out.
Any ideas?

Tony

this is a good idea; Swiss have a board which trips out and can be easily reset. I've not even managed to get a tingling before the thing trips so it's good.

Nah, you'll be grand! I've got every type of combo going in my place without any probs (including 6 UK plugs in a UK 6-gang socket, which in turn is plugged into a Swiss 4-gang socket via an adapter, which is in turn plugged into the mains.

I have done exactly the same thing with computer / monitor / speakers, and other low wattage electrical items - managed to work ok for 3 years without burning the apartment building down so far and saved hassle of changing plugs

It shouldn't be a problem but keep in mind the high-wattage thing. I do the same with a four-gang German socket.

Thanks! That's a relief. The other thing is, just what sort of adapter? Is it a normal European one, or do they have their own types? I did read in a guide that there's about 47,000 different pin combinations with some having more pins than a dressmaker's shop (I may be exaggerating a little), but then it also said a lot of them aren't common.

Tony

do be careful when using low-grade adaptors on high-draw equipment like kettles, hairdryers, etc - they will heat up.

I can tell you now that, 30 years after having last lived in Germany, my parents are just over their use of two-pin extensions. It took some time...!

I honestly didn't think it would be that dificult to find a UK-Swiss mains adapter plug. Where's a good place for them? I only found two on the internet and they wanted £16 each. Mind you, as the Swiss system seems to be three-pin earthed, is it possible to just remove the UK plug and replace it with a Swiss one?
I don't really have any desire to wake up in a burning apartment caused by faulty electrical fittings, but I'm a bit broke...

a frank for a new plug from Jumbo. Wiring is easier than UK