On Sat, 15 Apr 2017 19:06:13 +0100
Dr J R Stockton  wrote:

> In comp.sys.raspberry-pi message , Fri, 14
> Apr 2017 09:37:51, mm0fmf  posted:
> 
> >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.  
> 
> > ...  
> 
> I think otherwise, though I've not read BS1363 itself.  See "PlugSafe
> Protecting BS 1363 - the world’s safest mains plug and socket" at
> , final section "Loophole in BS 1363".
> 
> All readers who use UK-type plugs and sockets should read the whole of
> the  site, including what the tabs on that
> page lead to, and other links - and shudder.
> 

I've not come across these myself, but will certainly watch out for them in
future. How does Amazon get away with selling totally illegal things like those
pepper sprays (even dilivering them illegally)?

-- 
W J G

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