Hi could anyone answer my question , recently I bought a second hand kitchen aid classic k45 stand mixer and it had the American two pin plug on it so I changed the plug too a uk one , tried it it worked but then started sparking at the gear area , I then bought a converter and refitted the original plug , but it still sparks , there was a burning smell from the bushes and gear area ??

Regards John

John Spence, July 2013

If you tip it on its side and look up its skirt you may (should) see a rating plate - a sticky label with all the important details.

My mixer says 220 - 240 Volts 50/60Hz

Your American one very probably says 110 - 120 Volts.

Changing the plug on the end of the cable does not convert for supply voltage.

There is a strong chance that you've injected 230 Volts into a 115V machine and in doing so caused considerable harm. the burning smell will have been from the motor and the motor brushes.

Harts of Stur will sell you a 230V machine for about £400

Peccavi, July 2013