HPM extension cord recall

"Dennis"

** The most important word in the above is the word " some ".

1. An Active-Neutral swap in an extension lead is not a lethal hazard, on its own.
2. An Active Earth swap is, but will trip an ELCB as soon as any load is connected.

I expect the number of leads found so far with the second fault can be counted on the fingers of one hand - or else the recall notice would be all over the print & electronic media.

Still, it's yet another reason to be wary of unscrupulous Asian sub contractors when it comes to public safety.

The concept is a foreign one to the Chinese.

... Phil

Which seems increasingly strange given the Chinese propensity for executing people in relation to product defects. This one probably isn't the result of such blatently criminal acts as some others have been, but you'd think it would still tend to concentrate the mind.

Sylvia.

"Phil Allison"

** Further to point 2, a load connected between Neutral and Earth * may* trip an ELCB * if * it draws the required current of 10 to 30 mA. Few regular appliances would and most electronics would draw nothing due to voltage drops in rectifier diodes.

Obviously, any appliance/s involved will simply not work and the faulty lead would likely be returned on that basis.

Class 2 appliances would remain safe, long as no interconnection with any earthed appliance existed.

However, a REALLY LETHAL SITUATION arises when a lead with fault #2 is used with a power tool or kitchen appliance that has an earthed metal enclosure.

... Phil

Only when it affects their own people. In truth, probably only when it affects the chinese elite. they seem happy to see the rest removed.

If you want a good laugh, catch the headline n the latest New scientist that says "china could teach the rest of the world about environmental economics" what, turn the darling-Murray into a massive toxic sewer.

.... like a Philco toaster?