NHS Bans Socket Covers

[the snooper]

The coverage requirement of a plug is to prevent touching of the pins unless fully disconnected, as the covers don't have conductive pins, touching them doesn't matter.

As for the 'oversize pins distorting contacts', well, that's a poor quality socket. Nothing that fits through the hole in the faceplate should be capable of stressing the spring contacts into plastic deformation - if it can, then either the contacts or faceplate are poorly designed.

"Can't possibly fit a plug upside down and open shutters" eh?

View attachment 87014

well i have to say you are right about upside down ive just tried it and it does infact open the covers

 

[normspanners]

I refer you to my photo above.

Especially if using 'double adapters' they make it super easy !!

 

[Sidewinder]

The coverage requirement of a plug is to prevent touching of the pins unless fully disconnected, as the covers don't have conductive pins, touching them doesn't matter.

As for the 'oversize pins distorting contacts', well, that's a poor quality socket. Nothing that fits through the hole in the faceplate should be capable of stressing the spring contacts into plastic deformation - if it can, then either the contacts or faceplate are poorly designed.

"Can't possibly fit a plug upside down and open shutters" eh?

View attachment 87014

Well your first incorrect statement is with respect to the "hole in the face plate".
The socket outlet MUST be designed, build and manufactured to BS1363, which means that the holes in the faceplate and the internal contacts are made to comply with that standard.
Thus that part of your argument is irrelevant.
Because the requirements are set in the standard.

The material that these things are made of does not have to meet any conductivity tests, thus, there is no way to state that is it insulating.
So your second error.

That picture proves nothing, because it is too cropped.

How are we to tell that the inserted item is a plug to BS 1363, and that it is intact.

Now, my question to you, why are you so hell bent on trying to prove that these stupid devices are acceptable?

 

[Sidewinder]

well i have to say you are right about upside down ive just tried it and it does infact open the covers

Now that will depend on the plug and the socket, does the plug actually comply, not just be marked with BS1363?

 

[brightspark]

yes but some of the sockets don't rely on the earth pin to open the socket both pins live and neutral have to be pushed in to open the shutters not the earth pin

 

[the snooper]

See, just shows you should listen to people who know better


I do like how the assumption was made that I have no knowledge in the field of electrics though, that was funny.

i have a wealth of knowledge in the field of electrics, i was stood next to a pylon

 

[the snooper]

Now that will depend on the plug and the socket, does the plug actually comply, not just be marked with BS1363?

how can i tell

 

[Sidewinder]

See, just shows you should listen to people who know better


I do like how the assumption was made that I have no knowledge in the field of electrics though, that was funny.

Well, you are obviously out to start an argument, or try to make these stupid devices out be suitable when they are not.

The plug that is in that picture, does it actually comply with BS1363?

 

[Sidewinder]

how can i tell

Check it against the standard.
Or, against one of the gauges that I posted a link to.
The issue is that the UK is flooded with non compliant plugs and sockets now.

 

[normspanners]

i have a wealth of knowledge in the field of electrics, i was stood next to a pylon

A bit like a farmer hes an expert in his own field

I too am an expert

ex---- as in has been,
spurt------ as in drip under pressure.

 

[Sidewinder]

View attachment 87015

View attachment 87016

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View attachment 87018

Better?

Not really, because there are so many plugs coming into the UK fitted to kit that do not actually comply with BS1363, that this is also an issue.

So, can I ask you again, why are you do determined to undermine this?

 

[Sidewinder]

If that's really not good enough, I can probably find at least 20 more plugs of various designs, and sockets by at least 3 manufacturers?

So, you are now saying that ALL of these combinations are all legitimately compliant with BS1363, and you can insert all of them incorrectly and reveal exposed live parts?

 

[WorkshopChris]

The main issue is in use in the real world the covers are often fitted in sockets, without any plugs around, most especially in schools and in particular nursery. The only thing a inquisitive child needs to make a perfectly safe socket dangerous is the very devise someone fitted to make if safe.

 

[normspanners]

Just to set the record straight I am not trying to poopoo this.
BTW whilst on the subject another thing, I DONT LIKE--- ARE THOSE CRAP 'KIDS SAFETY' plug in night lights that the covers come off very easily with a potential of 32A + being available with no earth connection either !! A damn site more dangerous in my view

 

[the snooper]

Just to set the record straight I am not trying to poopoo this.
BTW whilst on the subject another thing, I DONT LIKE--- ARE THOSE CRAP 'KIDS SAFETY' plug in night lights that the covers come off very easily with a potential of 32A + being available with no earth connection either !! A damn site more dangerous in my view
View attachment 87019

unmonitored fire hazard in a kiddies bedroom aswell

 

[brightspark]

theres no need for them being plugged in to stop kids poking items in the socket. the only thing kids can do is put a plug in that is sat on the floor and could be dangerous depending on what appliance they plug in

 

[normspanners]

theres no need for them being plugged in to stop kids poking items in the socket. the only thing kids can do is put a plug in that is sat on the floor and could be dangerous depending on what appliance they plug in

bedside light with no bulb in for instance !

 

[brightspark]

bedside light with no bulb in for instance !

or a portable electric fire, hair drier ect

 

[optima21]

all this talk of electrical sockets reminds be of this old Public Information Film

 

[normspanners]

I remember my mum ironing with a bayonet plug on the iron, she used to take the bulb out and connect the iron in until we where posh, and we got an adapter so she could have light as well