DIY Help - Joining 2 halves of a cut power cord

[GeorgeCooke]

Never found a seized one yet.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Never found a seized one yet.

There’s a few here and on other forums that have found ones that won’t trip until after the test button has been pressed.

 

[HL82]

Hello - OP here again.

Noticed a few questions mentioning an RCD. Yep I have one fitted and I also have another cut-off in the extension reel I use, so hopefully I am safe there.

Update - I bought one of these - https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-orange-connector-2-pin/46232 - after receiving a couple of recommendations to do so (thanks again). I fitted it tonight, but I have a question. Since the two halves of this plug can be slotted together either way round - is there not a risk that I would connect live to neutral? What would happen if I connected them the wrong way round?

I marked the outside of the plug so I know which way is the right way - but still, I'm curious to know if this is potentially dangerous.

 

[rsgaz]

What would happen if I connected them the wrong way round?

It would work as normal.

It is Alternating Current, so it's changing polarity 100 times a second anyway.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

If the switch in the hedge trimmer is a single pole it would end up switching the neutral. not good.

 

[SparkyChick]

If the switch in the hedge trimmer is a single pole it would end up switching the neutral. not good.

Which presents no problem since all cables controlled by said switch are contained within the body of the device.

 

[rsgaz]

George, do you have a problem with C7/C8 connectors?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

The problem with the connector you have used, is that they easily pull apart.
As long as it’s the female half of the plug attached to the supply lead, there should be no live exposed parts for you to touch.
Where it can be dangerous, is if the cable and the connector are lying in wet grass.
You pick up the two halves of damp cable to re-connect and get a belt.
The connector I suggested has a catch to prevent the two halves from coming apart.

 

[w0z]

Hello - OP here again.

Noticed a few questions mentioning an RCD. Yep I have one fitted and I also have another cut-off in the extension reel I use, so hopefully I am safe there.

Update - I bought one of these - https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-orange-connector-2-pin/46232 - after receiving a couple of recommendations to do so (thanks again). I fitted it tonight, but I have a question. Since the two halves of this plug can be slotted together either way round - is there not a risk that I would connect live to neutral? What would happen if I connected them the wrong way round?

I marked the outside of the plug so I know which way is the right way - but still, I'm curious to know if this is potentially dangerous.

The cut-off in the extension reel is for excessive current, and won't offer any protection against shock. The 3 pin version of what you used (not sure if you can get an orange one though) would always be correct polarity because the centre pin (unused in your case) is offset so you can only plug it in one way.