How not to wire a 13-amp. plug!

[Skywave]

A couple of days ago, a neighbour knocked on my door. "You understand electrical things" came the introductory statement, "can you have a look at my clothes iron please? It keeps popping the switch-thingy in the electrical box under the stairs".
Since this is the time of goodwill to all men (and women), naturally I said "Yes"; leave it with me."
So, off to the workshop with it. The mains lead appeared in good order, so a routine exam. of the plug followed ~ the photos below complete the story.

[attachment=3788][attachment=3789]

Could it really have been wired like that in the first place? Or has the sleeving shrunk or the lead been seriously pulled? (The plug cable grip was tight).

Al.

[ed731pdh]

No, some dipstick wired it like that.

[AlanBeckett]

You don't actually need much separation in air for 250v, and if the house isn't PMEd the Earth/Neutral fault wouldn't be a problem.
I fear it might always have been like that.
Alan

[Joe]

I bet it was done like that too. At lest the wires weren't wrapped 'round the screw heads, like I've come across a couple of times.

- Joe

[Ian E G7OLT]

You did check the iron end too, didn't you? The same dipstick that wired the plug, may have replaced the whole lead.

[AlanBeckett]

I think Ian has a very good point there Al.
Alan

[pwdrive]

You did check the iron end too, didn't you? The same dipstick that wired the plug, may have replaced the whole lead.

Or worst still the house...Nothing changes much does it.

Lawrence

[Skywave]

The 'iron end': yes, good thinking indeed. It looked O.K. I gave the iron a session on the yellow P.A.T. box after repairs: it passed.

Al.

[Tedzed1]

At least the earth wire was connected to earth.

[Retired]

Hi,

thanks for sharing this Al.

Just an idea but have you taken the time to show your neighbour how to correctly wire such a plug?

Kind regards, Col.