Date   : Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:24:32 +0100
From   : rs423@... (Mick Champion)
Subject: Leccy @ Acorn World '09

Phil Blundell wrote:
> On Sun, 2009-09-13 at 15:50 +0100, Mick Champion wrote:
>   
>> AlembicPrs@... wrote:
>>     
>>> And why bother with 13mp fused plugs, if the consumer unit has RCB/MCB 
>>> etc and trips at the slightest surge.
>>>       
>
> It is a bit of a stretch to describe most installations as tripping at
> "the slightest surge". 
>   
Yes. RCDs are can be very sensitive. So the slightest leak to ground 
(around 20ma in my case) will cause it to trip. I shouldn't have boxed 
MCBs and RCDs together. If you have an overload, a MCB will trip a lot 
quicker than a fuse would blow though. I didn't realise an MCB could 
take as much as 90-120 Amp surge without tripping. I suppose all this 
info can be found when looking at the specs of breakers. I suspect the 
characteristics of each class of breaker is set down in the regs?



>> I honestly don't think round sockets are any less safe than square 
>> sockets in providing power.. As Phil pointed out, they are still allowed 
>> for in the regulations.  Square plugs do have do have some extras though 
>> such as a fuse and live / neutral shutters unlike Euro plugs that would 
>> have a job seeing as the earth pin is attached to the socket. Who 
>> thought that up? I know some UK round sockets do have shutters too.
>>     
>
> Modern BS546 sockets are indeed equipped with shutters, and in fact the
> Regulations require all socket outlets (irrespective of pin shape) in a
> domestic installation to be shuttered.
>   
So would all previously installed round sockets fail to pass a safety 
inspection should they be of the "shutter free" variety?



>   
>>> I seem to remember that Australia, as well as Europe, has socket 
>>> outlets, and normal wall light switches, in bathrooms. None of this 
>>> pull-cord business. And the outlets are not shielded (or switched).
>>>       
>> You don't have to have a pull-cord, you can mount your wall switch 
>> outside the bathroom. ;-)  Why do you want a socket in your bathroom?
>>     
>
> Wall switches are legitimate in bathrooms so long as they aren't placed
> within 0.6m of a bath or shower (and subject to various other general
> conditions).  Pull-cord switches are traditional but not strictly
> obligatory and, as Mick says, you can always mount the switch outside
> the bathroom anyway.
>   
0,6 Mtrs is very close and could be easily reached from a bath. I'm 
surprised at this.



Mick.