IEC Leads and PA testing.

[GBDamo]

I dont usually do PA testing, or whetever the hell it's called these days, but have come across a few occasions where EU two pin IEC leads have been used with a travel adapter.

In the majority of cases it's class II equipment being powerd but today I found this set up being used for a class I.

Now, i found a suitably rated three pin replacement but found the ease with which this can be done worrying.

Anyone else come across this?

I'm inclined to suggest the client bans non-UK lead across all its sites, is this an over reaction.

Have done some googling and found little to read up on so I'm wondering if I'm missing something.

 

[pirate]

Not quite sure what type of plug/lead you mean.
Is it this?

RS PRO Straight IEC C17 Socket to Straight Type A Chinese Plug Power Cord, 2m | RS

uk.rs-online.com

or this?

2 pin iec power cable - Google Search

:

or any of these?

www.google.com/search?q=2+pin+iec+power+cable&client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi507HSibXkAhW1olwKHS_NDRoQ_AUIEigC&biw=1920&bih=944#imgrc=yUFBXYFxaiZiSM:

 

[pirate]

The first one has no earth socket so wouldn't fit?
Sorry, the second link failed

 

[GBDamo]

The first one has no earth socket so wouldn't fit?
Sorry, the second link failed

Kettle lead (C13 i think) type to two pin mains.

 

[pirate]

Not sure still what type this is.
If it has no cpc, what would you test?
Continuity l and n
no crossover/short
Don't think I would be in favour of such a cable...
Can you link to one, so we can see it?

 

[GBDamo]

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwic4aXFnbXkAhWNse0KHe85D5sYABASGgJkZw&ae=1&ohost=www.google.co.uk&cid=CAASE-RoYfVZewuKIHN39UgMz7m-by8&sig=AOD64_0PbDefFma8ed9omzKXpq_QgJvlVw&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjIuJ_FnbXkAhVOVBUIHXK0A5AQwg96BAgLEDc&adurl=https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/pe01071/lead-schuko-to-iec-c13-skt-10a/dp/PL13320%3Fmckv%3DsirtQ3th6_dm%7Cpcrid%7C224648252532%7Ckword%7C%7Cmatch%7C%7Cplid%7C%7Cslid%7C%7Cproduct%7CPL13320%7Cpgrid%7C51012380110%7Cptaid%7Cpla-426919221793%7C%26CMP%3DKNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMInOGlxZ215AIVjbHtCh3vOQ-bEAQYCSABEgIa0PD_BwE

One of these powering Class I equipment.

Via one of these

SMJ American Australian to UK 3 Pin Mains Plug in Travel Adapter Socket Plug | Electrical World

This SMJ TADTTC adapter enables American and Australian tourists to safely use their plugs when in the UK while travelling. Note: This adapter will also convert some European plugs. Earthed Does not earth with side contact earth plugs Fitted .... £1.73.Fast Delivery at Electrical World.

www.google.co.uk

 

[Sintra]

That lead that you have linked to seems to have a 3 core flex according to the data sheet. Why are they using these with adapters when a standard UK IEC lead would be the best option.

 

[Chris1234]

The Schuko plug (which you have linked) has metal strips on the side which contact sprung terminals on the socket for the earth connection.
So yes, it has an earth connection.

 

[Strima]

Quite often you may get two IEC leads supplied with the equipment, one with BS1363 and the other a Schuko, it makes it easier for European distribution.

 

[GBDamo]

That lead that you have linked to seems to have a 3 core flex according to the data sheet. Why are they using these with adapters when a standard UK IEC lead would be the best option.

I think they are buying equipment supplied with these leads and not the UK equivalent and using the travel plug to adapt.
[automerge]1567544223[/automerge]

The Schuko plug (which you have linked) has metal strips on the side which contact sprung terminals on the socket for the earth connection.
So yes, it has an earth connection.

When used in the correct socket , yes.

When the EU lead was tested, connected via the teavel plug it gave no earth when tested, as there is no earth pin in the travel plug this is not supprising.

Therefore use with class I equipment is dangerous, no?

Just seems a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Of course, immediate fail. Often, you find the travel adaptor is unsafe in multiple ways by design, quite apart from being misused. New IEC leads are £1 so there's no excuse (although, when people jump on Amazon or eBay and buy a lead from an unknown seller / brand, it's not uncommon to find the replacement lead is dangerous too (firecracker fuse, not the claimed cable size, etc).