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VK5QX > INFO 23.07.02 12:29l 110 Lines 4178 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : E20289VK5QX
Read: DB0FHN GUEST
Subj: Re: Re. G6KUI, Plugs Sockets etc.
Path: DB0FHN<DB0ZWI<DB0CHZ<OK0PKL<OK0PPL<RZ6HXA<SP7MGD<WB0TAX<VK3AVE<VK5BRC<
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Sent: 020722/2333Z @:VK5LZ.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC #:39806 [Elizabeth] $:E20289VK5QX
From: VK5QX@VK5LZ.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC
To : INFO@WW
ALL SORTS.
Hello to all following this discussion.
Sandy, ZL1AWA said :-
________________
" There is a plug on the market called a Tapon and if you fit this to an
appliance you can plug another plug on top of it. If you fitted them to
all appliances you could plug them all into the same point, one on top of
the other "
________________
Here in Australia we have seen most of the various types of connectors
referred to by those contributing to the discussion.
The type of plug mentioned by Sandy is commonly known here as a
"piggy-back" plug or connector. I am not sure whether they are still
available.
Use of them in the manner described by Sandy could well be frowned upon.
He also said that they would "droop". Any more than just a few would
probably have to be tied up with string to provide support and prevent
them from all falling out of the socket.
The only "plug top" that I have, is one removed from an appliance
purchased in the United Kingdom and replaced with a standard "Aussie" type
plug. We do not have 3 point mains plugs with built in fuses.
The U.K. type plugs have much heavier pins than those in use here. They
would be almost 3 times the thickness of the pins in Australian plugs.
Incidentally, the term "plug top" is not used here.
I worked for many years as a Technical Officer (Electronics) with the
Department of Defence. All the departmental catalogues for electronic
components and accessories referred to such items under the general
description of "connectors". They were then designated as being a Plug or
Socket.
Where plugs and sockets were fitted with removable pins the pins were
described as being either Male or Female. At times the individual
connectors were also similarly described.
Thus a PLUG was always something that PLUGGED INTO a socket.
Such an approach meant that there would be little or no confusion as to
the nature and construction of the connector.
The standard 240 volt plug and socket are rated as being 10 Amps. There is
a 15 Amp plug, not often used, which has a wider earth pin than the 10 Amp
item. I have not noted any other physical difference between the two
differently rated plugs.
Obviously, you can only fit a 15 Amp plug into a socket made to suit,
although I have seen them used in a 10 Amp socket with the earth pin filed
down. (Naughty, naughty !!)
On the matter of light globes, or bulbs. It is common practice for most of
our globes to be of the bayonet type of fitting with two contacts. The
"Edison Screw" type, with the single centralised contact, are used but are
not all that common.
I have noted, with interest, bulletins commenting on the various power
mains voltages.
I can remember when here in Australia we mostly referred to a 230 volt AC
mains supply. At that same time we seemed to see the USA mains supply
voltage referred to as being 115 volts AC. (A two to one ratio.)
At other times I have seen reference to 220 volts AC mains here and 110
volts AC in the USA. (Again a two to one ratio.)
These days I see 230 or 240 volts mains being referred to and I am
certainly unsure as to what is recognised as being standard.
And now to yet another aspect.
Here it is normal for power switches to be mounted such that the toggle is
in the UP position for OFF and down for ON. In the USA it is the other way
around.
I believe that the USA method does have some advantage from the point of
view of safety as I see it as far easier to take a swipe at a switch and
hit it down to turn it off in an emergency. (The physical action appears
more natural to me.) However, some may not agree with this idea.
It is also the case that each wall socket has a switch, built in, and have
the three (female) pins, "Active", "Neutral" and "Earth", as against many
wall sockets I have seen in the USA with only two pins and NO switch.
Then again, we drive on the left-hand side of the road as against the
Americans who use the right-hand side. (Others will say that we also stand
on our heads, being in the southern hemisphere.)
Regards,
Ian
__________
73 de Ian, VK5QX
@ VK5LZ.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC
23 July 2002
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