Counterfeit BS1362 fuse?

[Mark_Burgess]

Had to replace double socket outlet today on a circuit I installed last year.

This had a four way extension lead plugged into it, and that was pretty much overloaded with fan heaters and a printing machine.

Whilst my customer was near to the socket, the printer just stopped, no power. They noticed a smell from the plug and tried to turn it off at the socket and it would not switch off, the socket could not be pulled out.

Anyway, I removed the socket today and replaced it, the socket had melted in back by the neutral pin, after I got the plug out of the socket (The pin plastic insulated bit was melted/expanded) it was clear that the neutral cable termination into the plug (not a moulded plug) was absolutely fine.

Now, I am thinking there was an overcurrent issue and the fuse should have blown but didn't.

The fuse looked legit and was 'Mercury' branded, I forgot to bring it home and will collect it in the next few days to weigh it.

What are your thoughts?
Counterfeit fuse?
Duff Socket outlet? (Crabtree twin socket Double Pole)

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Poor termination at the socket, plus the socket/plug overloading most likely. Check the fuse for the BS kitemark and ASTA logo as the fakes usually have one or both approvals missing.

 

[oldtimer]

Yep could be a bit like the recall on the fusewire by some sheds all I can say I buy my fuses from a reputable dealer but as we all know a lot of these 4 way ext leads are made in the far east plus education is what it is all about.

I got a call for the same thing but it was a slack connection in the leads plug top plus it did not help with the tenant had a phone charger , a hairdryer, curling tongs, and a convector heater plugged in or in other words a full house. Although I must admit I find most of the leads have loe loads plugged into them

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Poor termination at the socket, plus the socket/plug overloading most likely. Check the fuse for the BS kitemark and ASTA logo as the fakes usually have one or both approvals missing.

Both the socket and the plug were terminated correctly and still 'tight', I did think that either one would be loose before opening it up.

I will go get the fuse hopefully tomorrow, Now I come to think of it, I think the ASTA logo was there but of poor quality/blurred.

 

[Des 56]

Had to replace double socket outlet today on a circuit I installed last year.

Duff Socket outlet? (Crabtree twin socket Double Pole)

Oh for the days when you could pick up a Crabtree item and know it was quality

These days Craptree sockets, are, and have been for quite a while on my banned list, because a great improvement would have to made to bring them up to even low level standard,they are useless

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Yep could be a bit like the recall on the fusewire by some sheds all I can say I buy my fuses from a reputable dealer but as we all know a lot of these 4 way ext leads are made in the far east plus education is what it is all about.

I got a call for the same thing but it was a slack connection in the leads plug top plus it did not help with the tenant had a phone charger , a hairdryer, curling tongs, and a convector heater plugged in or in other words a full house. Although I must admit I find most of the leads have loe loads plugged into them


View attachment 11618View attachment 11619

Looks very similar to that but the neutral termination was nice and tight, cable was bent over itself ensuring plenty of grip for the screw, I really wanted/expected to see a poor termination.

They are a marketing and events company and have literally hundreds of extension leads, all PAT tested in house regularly.

If I identify if the fuse was a fake, they will be advised to change the lot on the safe side.

 

[oldtimer]

I have just bought a PAT tester and got a pile of 3 & 5 amp fuses so when the wholesaler said do you need some 13 amp I replied no I have a stack of them in my box because I keep finding them in burglar alarm, central heating FCUs and standard lamp plugs

 

[PC Electrics]

Strikes me as a clear case of overheating due to overloading. Unfortunately you cannot rely on a 13A BS1362 to limit current in accessories only designed to carry 13A because a 13A BS1362 will pass 20A almost indefinately. There is an article about this exact problem somewhere on the ESC website, but I can't remember where.

 

[Mark_Burgess]

I have just bought a PAT tester and got a pile of 3 & 5 amp fuses so when the wholesaler said do you need some 13 amp I replied no I have a stack of them in my box because I keep finding them in burglar alarm, central heating FCUs and standard lamp plugs

Same here, all of mine came from what you have mentioned!!

 

[oldtimer]

Same here, all of mine came from what you have mentioned!!

Just to add when a fuse goes in a standard lamp Joe public will find a 13 amp fuse in a drawer and use it

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Oh for the days when you could pick up a Crabtree item and know it was quality

These days Craptree sockets, are, and have been for quite a while on my banned list, because a great improvement would have to made to bring them up to even low level standard,they are useless

At this rate there is sod all out there that can be relied upon, I want to really try the Hager Sollysta range, but they are not readily available near me and I hate mail ordering stuff and try to arrange delivery unless I really have to.