HPM extension cord recall

[Dennis]

Just for general interest:

Even though the process is fully automated I would have thought there would
be some testing of the finished product.


http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/electrocution-fear-sparks-cord-recall/story-e6frg12u-1226397127915


"The cords, which were sold across Australia between March 1 and June 8,
have a wiring defect that has caused some to have their Active-Neutral or
Active-Earth wires swapped."

 

[Phil Allison]

"Dennis"

Even though the process is fully automated I would have thought there
would be some testing of the finished product.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/electrocution-fear-sparks-cord-recall/story-e6frg12u-1226397127915


"The cords, which were sold across Australia between March 1 and June 8,
have a wiring defect that has caused some to have their Active-Neutral or
Active-Earth wires swapped."

** 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

 

[Sylvia Else]

On 16/06/2012 8:42 PM, Phil Allison wrote:

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.

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]

"Phil Allison"

"The cords, which were sold across Australia between March 1 and June 8,
have a wiring defect that has caused some to have their Active-Neutral or
Active-Earth wires swapped."


** 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.

** 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

 

[terryc]

On 18/06/12 13:05, Sylvia Else wrote:

On 16/06/2012 8:42 PM, Phil Allison wrote:

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.


Which seems increasingly strange given the Chinese propensity for
executing people in relation to product defects.

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.

 

[el Presidenti]

"Phil Allison" <phil_a@tpg.com.au> wrote in message
news:a47mmaFimcU1@mid.individual.net...

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

..... like a Philco toaster?