Xmas lights

[littlespark]

Does it take the use of a tool to access the live connections?

Looking at the picture on #3, I expect it was plastic clips that needed a screwdriver to prise open… maybe not secure now if bent.

Superglue would fix that

 

[cireland]

Looking at the picture on #3, I expect it was plastic clips that needed a screwdriver to prise open… maybe not secure now if bent.

Superglue would fix that

That is not always the case with these type of lights.

Also, is the output at mains voltage? If so, is the outgoing cable double insulated?

 

[picturevalve]

That is not always the case with these type of lights.

Also, is the output at mains voltage? If so, is the outgoing cable double insulated?

Cover secured with plastic clips, not bent nor damaged by removal. I am surprised anyone on here would consider a blob of glue to be an effective mains lead clamp. As said above, sleeved earth pin another pointer to non-standard plug, not that it goes anywhere-only a 2 core "cable". A fault leading to a fault current of a few amps would make for some pretty fireworks with a 13A fuse in the plug, also.
Will check it out thoroughly shortly.

 

[littlespark]

Its a 2 core cable... .the earth pin of the plug isnt connected to anything... It could be a plastic pin.... it doesnt matter. Its there to open the shutters in the socket... nothing else.

Is there a double-insulated symbol on the controller anywhere? square within a square?

 

[Tom256]

The plug is fine

I beg to differ. A BS 1363 plug can have a solid plastic pin for use as an Insulated shutter opening device (ISOD) on devices where such is suitable. They can of course be solid brass* however, this plug is marked BS1363/A and a BS1363 plug cannot have a partial sleeved earth pin so an Earth pin part sleeved is ALWAYS counterfeit.
The plug is counterfeit but marked BS 1363 why would it not be, it's counterfeit anything goes, so what makes anyone feel ok saying the rest of this device is fine to use if the plug is simply changed?
Put what ever marks you like on it. Put 'BS 1363' on a plug that is not BS1363 compliant, mark it with anything you wish, mark it as double insulated and if it should be marked such what does that now tell you?

Most will buy and not give it a moments thought, I have seen these plugs come apart leaving the pin from the line conductor live in the socket after the plug was 'removed'.
I have seen fake BS 1362 fuses, who knows what they will take under fault. On some the fuse is for show and the cables are connected direct to the pins. As I said anything goes.

What is the specification on the cables insulation?

I could go on. This item is not fine and should not be trusted but just my thoughts you have yours.

My view... Destroy it or hand it to Trading Standards.

* Brass with the BS 1363 specification copper %

 

[littlespark]

The photograph of the plug does not show clearly that the earth pin is part sleeved at the angle taken.
I wonder why a counterfeiter would invent a new way of manufacturing a plug pin where they could just copy the right way…. And to make such an change that it is an obvious tell that it is counterfeit. Their sales would drop.

You are right in saying they can place whatever mark they like on it… BS numbers, double insulated symbol… or CE instead of C E?


Look… if you are worried about it, take it back to the supplier and get your money back…. Difficult now that it’s been taken apart..

Or, take it to trading standards with your concerns. Let us know how you get on.

Otherwise, plug it in, hang it up and have a merry Christmas.

 

[cireland]

I wonder why a counterfeiter would invent a new way of manufacturing a plug pin where they could just copy the right way

They do though.

 

[DPG]

The photograph of the plug does not show clearly that the earth pin is part sleeved at the angle taken.
I wonder why a counterfeiter would invent a new way of manufacturing a plug pin where they could just copy the right way…. And to make such an change that it is an obvious tell that it is counterfeit. Their sales would drop.

You are right in saying they can place whatever mark they like on it… BS numbers, double insulated symbol… or CE instead of C E?


Look… if you are worried about it, take it back to the supplier and get your money back…. Difficult now that it’s been taken apart..

Or, take it to trading standards with your concerns. Let us know how you get on.

Otherwise, plug it in, hang it up and have a merry Christmas.

As mentioned above, that plug does not meet regulations purely on the sleeved earth pin, which is a definite no-no.

I suspect the body dimensions are also not sufficient, but difficult to be sure.

Non compliant and shoddy. I wouldn't use it.

 

[picturevalve]

I beg to differ. A BS 1363 plug can have a solid plastic pin for use as an Insulated shutter opening device (ISOD) on devices where such is suitable. They can of course be solid brass* however, this plug is marked BS1363/A and a BS1363 plug cannot have a partial sleeved earth pin so an Earth pin part sleeved is ALWAYS counterfeit.
The plug is counterfeit but marked BS 1363 why would it not be, it's counterfeit anything goes, so what makes anyone feel ok saying the rest of this device is fine to use if the plug is simply changed?
Put what ever marks you like on it. Put 'BS 1363' on a plug that is not BS1363 compliant, mark it with anything you wish, mark it as double insulated and if it should be marked such what does that now tell you?

Most will buy and not give it a moments thought, I have seen these plugs come apart leaving the pin from the line conductor live in the socket after the plug was 'removed'.
I have seen fake BS 1362 fuses, who knows what they will take under fault. On some the fuse is for show and the cables are connected direct to the pins. As I said anything goes.

What is the specification on the cables insulation?

I could go on. This item is not fine and should not be trusted but just my thoughts you have yours.

My view... Destroy it or hand it to Trading Standards.

* Brass with the BS 1363 specification copper %

Correct, fuse is not in circuit although it is connected to live. I'm informing the supplier and telling them trading standards are being informed.

 

[Tom256]

Correct, fuse is not in circuit although it is connected to live. I'm informing the supplier and telling them trading standards are being informed.

Good call Sir. Seeing it more and more and many less informed than yourself are risking lives and / or fire

 

[w0z]

Good call Sir. Seeing it more and more and many less informed than yourself are risking lives and / or fire

As mentioned above, that plug does not meet regulations purely on the sleeved earth pin, which is a definite no-no.

I suspect the body dimensions are also not sufficient, but difficult to be sure.

Non compliant and shoddy. I wouldn't use it.

It's also quite common that the 13A plug pin separation is incorrect, resulting in stress on the plug body which results eventually (as said) in pins being left in sockets.
Attached a horrific example of one I came across, too many things wrong to list..
(and it had a metal case with HV in too-close-for-comfort proximity inside.)
The problem is most non-tech people won't notice...
I didn't report it to T.S. There are hundreds of thousands of Chinese sellers selling dangerous items, I'm afraid the battle is already lost.
I think the answer has to be better education by T.S.

 

[DPG]

It's also quite common that the 13A plug pin separation is incorrect, resulting in stress on the plug body which results eventually (as said) in pins being left in sockets.
Attached a horrific example of one I came across, too many things wrong to list..
(and it had a metal case with HV in too-close-for-comfort proximity inside.)
The problem is most non-tech people won't notice...
I didn't report it to T.S. There are hundreds of thousands of Chinese sellers selling dangerous items, I'm afraid the battle is already lost.
I think the answer has to be better education by T.S.
View attachment 118810

View attachment 118811

Seen similar myself. It's scary the amount of stuff out there that doesn't comply with standards.

 

[Tom256]

Seen similar myself. It's scary the amount of stuff out there that doesn't comply with standards.

It does not help with those work places that deem a 'PAT' test required employ people who simply do not look with any understanding at the items. The level of knowledge some have is abysmal.
Many times seen these issues on devices carrying a 'PAT' label. Does not inspire confidence.

 

[picturevalve]

A local “trader” some years back was selling computers with mains plugs similar to that posted by w0z above, that went to trading standards too. Meanwhile the current TS man has taken the lights and forwarded the info to TS local to the supplier. Full refund given, didn’t ask for the lights back either.
The TS guy had one of these from ESF for a quick check of the plug :

https://www.-----------------------...urces/technical-e-news/new-uk-plug-pin-gauge/

Electrical safety first uk plug pin gauge
Very handy.