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.



Well yes
equipment that is poorly manufactured does not conform to standard & is
illegal is likely to be dangerous regardless of the actual plug type.

this page does at least highlight the things to look for.

--
The bugs you have to avoid are the ones that give the user not only
the inclination to get on a plane, but also the time.
  -- Kay Bostic

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