On 13/04/2017 22:56, Dr J R Stockton wrote:
> In comp.sys.raspberry-pi message , Mon,
> 3 Apr 2017 14:56:13, The Natural Philosopher 
> posted:
>
>>
>> Uk 13A plugs are arguably the safest in the world.
>>
>> - square pins allow for better contact reducing risk of fire through
>> overheating and arcing.
>> - the earth pin is mandatory, not optional
>> - unless the earth pin is inserted the live and neutral are not accessible.
>
> Not quite true.  With the narrower multi-way adaptors (not much plastic
> outside the L N E socket area), it is possible to insert the earth pin
> of one plug upside down (to release the shutter, of course), and the
> power pins of another device upside-down.  There is then nowhere for a
> cable to exit the second device's connector in the normal manner; but if
> the second device is a cubical adaptor it will go in easily, allowing
> the supply of unearthed L-N-reversed electricity.  I have three items so
> plugged by me as I write.
>
> BS 1363 needs to specify that the mating surfaces are too wide to allow
> any pin to be inserted upside down when all three pins are present.
>

I think you'll find that those multiway power strips that allow you to
use the plug upside to open the shutter do not pass the UK standards.
They're the cheap stuff using the lightest wiring and metal possible and
are total different to the collection of MK products I've collected over
the last 40 years.

Yes I use them, but for low current and low unplugging/plugging uses
(behind the TV, stereo etc.) Anything which may see frequent use is a
quality item.

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