Xmas lights

[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.

 

[picturevalve]

Here's an update for anyone interested:
Trader's address is actually a Chinese "fulfillment Centre" , All items arrive ready bagged from China and a delivery address is stuck on and in the post it goes. It seems that this is a nice way of circumventing checks in this country due to legislative weakness- aka "removing red tape". Trading syandards in Bedfordshire were able to identify the item from the Chinese QR code on the back of the package and they are now in discussions with the supplier. Meanwhile,I opened the plastic box with my thumbnail - ludicrously easy, to see what was inside - see photo. The 4 semi-circular plastic lugs holding the cover can be seen near the box corners.
Mains in was on A and C contacts with live on A - less than 4mm from + contact at one point.
Led strings connected to +, 1 and 3 conns. String common connected to contact 1
Isolation of control ic from mains provided by 2Megohm resistor and ic on the top left.
All in all a nasty piece of work.

 

[Tom256]

Here's an update for anyone interested:
Trader's address is actually a Chinese "fulfillment Centre" , All items arrive ready bagged from China and a delivery address is stuck on and in the post it goes. It seems that this is a nice way of circumventing checks in this country due to legislative weakness- aka "removing red tape". Trading syandards in Bedfordshire were able to identify the item from the Chinese QR code on the back of the package and they are now in discussions with the supplier. Meanwhile,I opened the plastic box with my thumbnail - ludicrously easy, to see what was inside - see photo. The 4 semi-circular plastic lugs holding the cover can be seen near the box corners.
Mains in was on A and C contacts with live on A - less than 4mm from + contact at one point.
Led strings connected to +, 1 and 3 conns. String common connected to contact 1
Isolation of control ic from mains provided by 2Megohm resistor and ic on the top left.
All in all a nasty piece of work.

View attachment 119342

As expected. Great job following this up.
No robust separation and all in all a fatality waiting to happen.

 

[w0z]

As expected. Great job following this up.
No robust separation and all in all a fatality waiting to happen.

Grim, and no fuse either.

 

[Tom256]

Grim, and no fuse either.

No and that is quite common on these counterfeit 1363 plugs. That is to have a fuse carrier yet it is not in-line with the load

 

[w0z]

No and that is quite common on these counterfeit 1363 plugs. That is to have a fuse carrier yet it is not in-line with the load

Yes, I know, I was referring to the PCB, whilst a (very low current anti-surge) fuse might not cover all eventualities at least it might give some protection to avoiding the possibility of mains through the light string if there was an short or low resistance path through the PCB.
Anyway all that said the answer is to educate the public, but sadly price continues to trump safety.
I suppose on the plus side we have yo hope that most users with have RCD or othe CU's, but I still know people who don't, mainly elderly. Fortunately they are not likely to be buying Chinedse carp.
P.S.
I'm in the process of "improving" the plug template referred to above, (putting measurements on it and other changes); if I ever complete it I'll post back with a printable file (If it doesn't break any rules or laws)