Another death-trap - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 02:26:28 pm
content: Was inspecting light-bulbs, checked which part of the socket was hot... nasty surprise.I did check the wiring going into the lamp fixture. Ignoring the old wires and the old colour-scheme, it was perfectly all-right. Nothing was swapped there.Then I checked the E27 sockets...Now these things were assembled in some factory somewhere. The wires were spot-welded or crimped (couldn't see the details), nothing to screw (haha) there. That eliminates the possibility of me having made a mistake during installation years ago. Except that I should've checked the wiring and not rely on what was supposedly in order.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 02:31:18 pm
content: Push in connectors, could have been done by the assembler, or by the user in installing the cable into the push holes. Those do really need a bigger label on the embossing to say L and N on the base for correct assembly. I do not like them though they are very common , as the plastic ages and goes brittle with time and temperature, and then the contacts either fall out or arc. You really need to use a solid or 7 strand wire with them as well, the finer wires in cord tend to spread out on insertion unless you use a bootlace ferrule to hold them.Funny thing is i recently bought some adaptors for SA standard 16A outlets to 2 pin Euro sockets like on cellular phones. The new ones come with a taped manual on them that says "Read Before Use". the older ones are subject to a recall because they are death traps and either cause shocks, fires or fail outright. I must remember to go around and see if any are still around and confiscate them, then return for new one, or just toss them. Hardest thing to keep around, they disappear overnight and when you ask "Ungaas".

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 02:32:31 pm
content: No doubt someone board-at-work or colour-blind !

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 02:42:19 pm
content: And that's why inspection and testing is a requirement of electrical installation..

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 02:52:44 pm
content: Would not be a problem with a bayonet bulb holder, only risk of shock is if you are stupid enough to stick your finger in the socket.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 02:53:42 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on May 18, 2013, 02:52:44 pmAnd, assuming the switching polarity is correct, the shock's unlikely to be fatal in and of itself.

author: elgonzo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 03:12:55 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on May 18, 2013, 02:52:44 pmYes, bayonets are safer.With such screwedscrew socket installations, there is a real danger in case a light bulb blows, with just the bulb's screw remaining in the socket.Before removing the screw with some pliers, you disable/remove the fuse, because you don't want to get shocked. Then, the next thing you remember...

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 03:25:55 pm
content: Quote from: elgonzo on May 18, 2013, 03:12:55 pmA nice shock from time to time is good to improve your math skills (referring to a recent study) :-)

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 03:46:46 pm
content: Quote from: vlf3 on May 18, 2013, 02:32:31 pmI cut the end of a usb cord off for a project and wired it up as black to ground, red to +5v, destroyed the board, yep some idiot got the colors wrong. Now I check every single cable I re-use.

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2013, 11:56:32 pm
content: Quote from: elgonzo on May 18, 2013, 03:12:55 pmThat's what the potato is for.

author: elgonzo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 19, 2013, 01:15:58 am
content: Quote from: justanothercanuck on May 18, 2013, 11:56:32 pmHahaha...And for our Asian friends he just needs to repeat the trick with noodles...