Which type of (electrical socket) plug?

[billyarboles]

I'm importing some products to sell here and am wondering which type of plug I should ask the manufacturer to use. Of course I'll first be asking if they can use an Argentine plug, but since the product isn't currently available here I wouldn't be surprised if it's not an available option.

I've read how Australia uses the same type of plug, but the wiring is different and so may damage the device or worse. I don't want to be responsible for someone starting a fire. My concern would be that even if stating that an adapter should be used that many would just plug it in without and so perhaps it's better to opt for another style plug which would force people to use an adapter. I also don't want to trust people plugging the charger in first before attaching it to the device. Is there a best option or one that makes sense over the others? I'm guessing a Europe style plug since it's an easy adapter to find.

Thought I'd ask here hoping that someone may have crossed this bridge themselves or knows more about this than I do.

 

[elhombresinnombre]

I'm importing some products to sell here and am wondering which type of plug I should ask the manufacturer to use. Of course I'll first be asking if they can use an Argentine plug, but since the product isn't currently available here I wouldn't be surprised if it's not an available option.

I've read how Australia uses the same type of plug, but the wiring is different and so may damage the device or worse. I don't want to be responsible for someone starting a fire. My concern would be that even if stating that an adapter should be used that many would just plug it in without and so perhaps it's better to opt for another style plug which would force people to use an adapter. I also don't want to trust people plugging the charger in first before attaching it to the device. Is there a best option or one that makes sense over the others? I'm guessing a Europe style plug since it's an easy adapter to find.

Thought I'd ask here hoping that someone may have crossed this bridge themselves or knows more about this than I do.

You want the Type "I" plug and socket. The polarity is not part of the general definition of Type "I.". The Australia/NZ electrical regulations specify polarity and clearly state which pin should be line and which should be neutral and their regulations require a ground/earth third pin if the appliance is not "double insulated" (a widely recognised standard).

I have not read the specifications or regulations for the Chinese/Argentine variant but as you say, the polarity of the line/neutral pins is the reverse of Australia/NZ.

Most electrical appliances these days are supplied with the mains plug moulded onto the mains lead. When you are placing your order for these items you ought to be able to specify that it is supplied with a Chinese specification Type "I" mains plug. That ought to avoid any potential mix-ups.

My understanding of the new, relaxed electrical standards in Argentina is that electrical products sold on the Argentine market must comply with the electrical safety standards of the country they are coming from. I think it would be up to you to determine that the country supplying your goods has electrical safety standards and that your goods comply with them.

Have you export/import experience?

 

[billyarboles]

Thanks for the response.

Pretty sure I have one of the products sorted out that's manufactured in China by a Canadian brand. A similar online store sells similar models using US style plugs.

What I'm still less sure of is the best plug type for a product that currently doesn't exist in Argentina. I have a feeling that the answer lies in the above post, but I'm not fluent in electrical jargon and got a little lost. I think it was suggested that I should ask for a Type I plug that complies with Chinese safety standards.

I have some experience importing clothing from Asia and C. America into N. America, but I only handled certain aspects after which others on the team took over so this will be my first time handling everything and first time importing into Argentina. I've already dealt with the seemingly inevitable experience of someone overpromising and underdelivering and so I'm looking for a new despachante de aduanas and possibly an importer if that's what it takes. The products are on the restricted list. Some say they're illegal (the attorney I consulted with disagrees), and the products (all of which are imported) are currently for sale here - I plan on bringing in brands/models currently not available. I just need to find the right person who can actually deliver what they say they can. I figure if others can do it, I can to. Fortunately, I enjoy the occasional challenge.