OpenBCM V1.07b12 (Linux)

Packet Radio Mailbox

IW8PGT

[Mendicino(CS)-Italy]

 Login: GUEST





  
G8MNY  > TECHNI   05.08.23 10:31l 152 Lines 6807 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 51477_GB7CIP
Read: GUEST
Subj: UK 13A Fused Mains Plug
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<ED1ZAC<EA5URD
Sent: 230712/0700Z @:EA5URD.EAMU.ESP.EU #:61110 XFBB7.07 Bid:51477_GB7CIP

R:230712/0659Z @:EA2RCF.EAVI.ESP.EU #:45367 [Vitoria] $:51477_GB7CIP
R:230712/0659Z 3598@LU9DCE.TOR.BA.ARG.SOAM LinBPQ6.0.23
R:230712/0658Z 79474@VE3CGR.#SCON.ON.CAN.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.23
R:230712/0658Z 55170@OK2PEN.SP.BRA.SOAM [Sao Jose dos Campos] $:51477_GB7CIP
R:230712/0656Z @:GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO #:51477 [Caterham Surrey GBR]

From: G8MNY@GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO
To  : TECH@WW

By G8MNY                                    (Updated Mar 08)
(8 bit ASCII Graphics use code page 437 or 850, Terminal Font)
After some Ham intermediate courses where students have to attach a mains lead
to a plug PROPERLY, I came up with this to add some flesh to the subject! I
also found girl guides can take 20mins to fit one, having never used any hand
tools, or seen their Dads fit a mains plug anymore (a lost skill).

UK 13A FUSED 230V MAINS PLUG
This type of plug is only used in the UK & some of its defendants. It is the
highest power item part most people deal with. Correct fitting & use IS A LIFE
& DEATH MATTER! The 13A Rating enables up to 3kW to be safely drawn from the
plug.
    __..-----..__             __..-----..__         ÚÄÄÄÂÄÄÄ¿Longer Earth
  /'     ÚÄ¿     `\         /'     ÚÄ¿   _ `\       ³T  |   ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
 ³       ³E³       ³       ³ Gn/Ye/µo³[]³_³  ³      ³O  |   ³        ³
 ³       ÀÄÙ       ³       ³     ||ÀÄÙ³³³1³  ³      ³P  |   ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ
 ³                 ³       ³    _||   ||³3³  ³      ³   | B ³
 ³   L   (\)   N   ³       ³ Bl//\\\Bn//³A³  ³      ³C  | A ³<Cover Screw
 /                  \      /  ||  |||// ³_³  \      ³O  | S ³
³  ÚÄÄÄ¿     ÚÄÄÄ¿  ³     ³  ÚÁÁÄ¿\\|| ÚÁÄÁ¿  ³     ³V  | E ÃÄÄÄÂÄÄ¿
³  ÀÄÄÄÙ     ÀÄÄÄÙ  ³     ³  ÀÄÄÄÙ_===_ÀÄÄÄÙ  ³     ³E  |   ÃÄÄÄÁÄÄÙ
³     0       0     ³     ³     (o_GRIP_o)    ³     ³R  |   ³  \insulated
 \_________________/       \_________________/      ³___|___³    antishock
      UNDERSIDE                  TOPSIDE             SIDE VIEW

The UK Standard BS1362 was introduced in the 1960s with the higher current ring
mains wiring system. Rings are rated at 20/30A for domestic, & up to 60A for
industrial sites. All sockets are shuttered, to prevent non fused plug (&
finger!) access.

Fuse rating is only supposed to protect the appliance lead! Appliances should
be separately fused with a more appropriate fuse as needed.

The 1" x 1/4" BS1362 Mains plug Fuses are fast high voltage type, ceramic body,
normally sand filled to quench arcing when rupturing. The peak rupture current
rating is 6,000 Amps @ 240V !!!! (e.g. the fuse must stop arcing & break that
current!)

  Fuse         Max       Typical     Typical
  Print     Continuous    Blow      Peak Break
  Colour      Rating      Surge       Power
  Brown        13A         26A        9 kW
  Black        10A *       20A        7 kW
  Black         7A *       15A        5 kW
  Black/Blue    5A *       10A        3.5kW
  Red           3A          6A        2 kW
  Black         2A *        4A        1.4kW
  Black         1A *        2A        700W

* It can be difficult to obtain these values, but they are available.

N.B. The right fuses does not protect you from DEATH, but may stop an
electrical overload fire!
 
COMMON PLUG FEATURES
  1/ 3 Pin. Larger Earth Pin.
  2/ Strong oblong pin section for high contact area.
  3/ Earth pin connects 1st & disconnect last, & operates the socket shutter.
  4/ Part Insulated Live & Neutral Pins to stop finger shocks.
  5/ Fuse to limit the high ring current available to limit damage.
  6/ Universal Cord grip.
  7/ As with other plugs LIVE is on the Right.

PLUG TYPES
Although all made to the same standard, the designs do vary with make & price.
Older plugs designs have all metal pins (better for high currents!), & should
ideally be replaced especially in wet use areas.

Some types & features to look out for...
    Clear Body, (for easier PAT visible inspections).
    Moulded on types (new appliances) with a fuse access flap/carrier.
    Fuse rating inspection hole.
    High contact area wrap around terminals. (safety plug)
    Easy wedge cord grip. (safety plug)
    Two position cord grip, for large & small cables.
    Easy pull out types with large ring handles.
    Rubber body, for those indestructible uses.
    Soft plastic (nylon), more rigid than rubber & keep their shape.
    Bakerlite/Urea, cheap, easily broken, but higher temperature rated.
    With Neon Indicator.
    With ON/OFF switch.
    Multi coloured plugs.
    Surge protected plugs, computers.
    Earth Leakage Trip plugs, for outdoor appliances.
    Energy savers, for fridges/Pumps.
    Timer Plugs, for lights etc.
    Remote IR controlled plugs. (For lazy people!)

LEADS
Available in 2 core or 3 core, ratings 3A, 6A, 10A, 13A, 15A, & 20A.

 a/ Only Double insulated leads are allowed. No bell/LS wire!
 b/ Make sure the appliance is double insulated if it has a 2 core lead.
 c/ Use proper mains joiners in the leads if the lead is too short.
 d/ Only Blue, Brown & Yellow/Green leads should be used.
 e/ Use the correct current rated lead for the job. 1A-15A flex
 f/ Use the right type of lead for the job..
    e.g. Rubber/heat proof leads for hot jobs, Irons, Toasters, Fires.
        NO solid lead for flexible work,
        Screened mains lead for improved RFI protection.

WIRING UP (11 steps blow by blow)
=================================

  1/ Remove plug top cover, do not loose screw if not captured. If cover
     has lead hole place over lead, the right way around NOW!

  2/ Cut off the outer of the lead to the right length, making doubly sure
     the inner insulation is not damaged.

  3/ Offer up the lead & measure off each colour wire to the right terminal 
     & strip the wire insulation off, not damaging the wires.

  4/ For thick wires just stripped wire to length & trim excess length off,
     twist bare ends for stability (do not solder). For thin wires consider
     twisting & folding the wire to make it a suitable size to the terminal
     if needed. (some people make the earth lead a fraction longer so it is
     the last to disconnect on a lead rip out!)

  5/ Loosen terminal post screw, insert wire into the right hole making sure
     no stands miss the hole. Brown-Live, Blue-Neutral, Green/Yellow-Earth.

  6/ Screw up tight! & Redo for 5 & 6 for all wires.

  7/ Route the wires correctly around the plug, making sure that they will
     not be trapped by the top cover.

  8/ Place wire under cable clamp & do it up firmly. This can be difficult for
     thin or thick cables! See if clamp has 2 positions & use appropriately.

  9/ Double check wire colour code LAST CHANCE!!!

 10/ Double check the fuse rating is correct.

 11/ Place plug cap on & screw up. Again checking for crushed wires badly
     fitting cap etc.


Y don't U send an interesting bul?

73 de John G8MNY @ GB8CIP



Read previous mail | Read next mail


 22.12.2024 18:46:45lGo back Go up