How not to wire a 13-amp. plug!

[AlanBeckett]

At least you had the chance to examine it. With modern moulded plugs you haven't a clue what's going on inside.
Alan

[Skywave]

Hi Col,
No. And I don't know who had put the plug on in the first place: it seemed diplomatic not to ask. I simply told them that the plug had not been wired properly. They're an elderly couple. He has poor eyesight and his general health is none too good; she has really bad arthritis in her hands. They obviously know where I live (which is not far from them): they know what I can do for them in matters such as this. I did think of suggesting something like checking their electrical appliances for them, but they're quite reserved & like their privacy: I didn't want to come over as 'pushy'.

Al.

[Retired]

Hi Al,

That was very thoughtful of you and I can understand your reluctance by not wishing to push in where not wanted. At least this couple now know where to come for any future problems of this kind.

Well said Alan; just because an electrical item has a moulded plug fitted and all the safety labels attached to it and the cable who knows how it is wired inside?

When I was working I used to hear stories about electric motors going as far as Canada and Australia without bearings or fans fitted. During busy holiday periods the company employed temporary labour and some were put to work on the assembly lines; we had lines (conveyors) known as "fans and covers". Apparently one day a temp ran out of fans but carried on fitting the fan covers and these went through the final testing and out to customers abroad. Another guy on assembly didn't understand what a crossed thread was whilst attaching feet to motors using an air socket. I wonder who dresses these kind of people when they get out of bed?

Kind regards, Col.

[ianhumph]

In my younger days I had a couple of 'belts' that made me rather more respectful of mains electricity. Even these days, any piece of equipment that comes my way that doesn't have a moulded-on plug will have its top removed and given the 'once-over' by yours truly...

And seeing this on tv, at regular intervals in my early years always kept the consequences of risk-taking embedded in my mind. It always scared me half to death. I'll bet it brings back memories to a good few of us here!:omg:

[Paula A]

Oh how I remember those films. The stupid thing is it doesn't take much longer to pinch a plug off some piece of equipment not in use at that moment and fit it as it does to mess about jamming wires in the socket.

[pwdrive]

Reminds me of my field service days (confession)

Lawrence

[Joe]

I've never used matches - a couple of screw-drivers and croc-clips were more my style until I devised something 'better.'

- Joe

[pwdrive]

Hello Joe I was going to mention screwdrivers but thought not, hats off for doing so, I reckon the more skeletons we clear out of our cupboards then the more room for radio bits.

Lawrence.

[Paula A]

The first shop I worked in, selling cheap second hand electrics.. The method there was to twist live and neutral together on 3 or 4 appliances (earth?.. whats that?) and jam them into a socket on an extension lead using a plug and a well aimed foot..

[Joe]

Done that too!

- Joe