Xmas lights

[picturevalve]

Bought a set recently from a Bedfordshire supplier, although a Chinese firm.
Couldn't believe the "mains" cable and the fitted fuse.
Mains cable is flat 3mm x 0.6mm. Fuse is 13A!!!
Plug is one of those Chinese specials with reduced dimensions.
See pic.

 

[littlespark]

did you buy it like that? without the cover on the fuse?

I wonder if someone in the shop robbed the 3A fuse from it for something else

theres many products that come with 'low profile' moulded on plugs..... from reputable manufacturers... not just chinese cr*p.


"3mm x 0.6mm" doesnt sound right.... what does it say on the flex?

 

[picturevalve]

did you buy it like that? without the cover on the fuse?

I wonder if someone in the shop robbed the 3A fuse from it for something else

theres many products that come with 'low profile' moulded on plugs..... from reputable manufacturers... not just chinese cr*p.


"3mm x 0.6mm" doesnt sound right.... what does it say on the flex?

No I removed the cover to show the fuse, the cable is unmarked and the dimensions are as quoted, nowhere near a standard 6A flat cable. The worst part is that these are supplied with a 13A fuse fitted. Since posting I've removed the cover off of the control unit and the "mains" cable conductors are both white, the ends soldered onto the cct. board and secured with a blob of hotmelt glue (or similar).

 

[James]

Well, it appears to be C E marked. the fuse may not be relevant if the device is protected against over current by its internal circuitry.

It is certainly a low quality product in my opinion and I would throw it in the bin.

 

[littlespark]

It doesnt need a 6A cable.... and TBH, a 3A fuse would probably be oversized for it anyway...
As mentioned, the internel circuitry will limit the load... but i dont think theres anything to worry about... as long as you dont plug it in with the cover off like that

 

[picturevalve]

It doesnt need a 6A cable.... and TBH, a 3A fuse would probably be oversized for it anyway...
As mentioned, the internel circuitry will limit the load... but i dont think theres anything to worry about... as long as you dont plug it in with the cover off like that

I agree, it's entirely dangerous.
1. 13A fuse
2. Suspect cable.
3. No clamp on mains cable sheath.
4. Non-compliant plug body.
5. Sufficient isolation betwwen mains and led cabling?

I've had cause in the past to refer this type of thing to the standards body, they tried to fob me off and said go to Trading Standards. I had to read them their own regulations before they accepted the complaint.
Needless to say, I heard no more about it.

 

[littlespark]

1. 13A or 3A…. It’s only there for short circuit, not overload.

2. Why is it suspect? It’s 2 core, sheathed and looks sufficient size for the load. If it doesn’t have a polarity marked, then it doesn’t matter.

3. The glue is holding it as it is, but the removed cover will grip the flex if replaced properly

4. Why is it non compliant? Other products use the same plug shape.

5. The set glue creates the isolation. The cable cannot move.