Path: ...!feed.opticnetworks.net!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!news.eternal-september.org!.POSTED!not-for-mail
From: Martin Brown <'''newspam'''@nonad.co.uk>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: British (european?) kitchen counter electric outlets
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:50:43 +0100
Organization: A noiseless patient Spider
Lines: 37
Message-ID: <v49a64$10op2$1@dont-email.me>
References: <v42ndi$2spjg$1@dont-email.me>
 <vhs96jthu13fem45rmitqr7i9cg8b3d76m@4ax.com>
 <v430ho$rok$1@tncsrv09.home.tnetconsulting.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Injection-Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:50:44 +0200 (CEST)
Injection-Info: dont-email.me; posting-host="660613d97941c6546877f646149dd90e";
	logging-data="1073954"; mail-complaints-to="abuse@eternal-september.org";	posting-account="U2FsdGVkX1+yH1yC6pvxQARLnGoCiB4OBgK6C142IB6Y6GeXKfkj2A=="
User-Agent: Mozilla Thunderbird
Cancel-Lock: sha1:eB2Ek339J0/4EEzqoUEvaxPXmZM=
In-Reply-To: <v430ho$rok$1@tncsrv09.home.tnetconsulting.net>
Content-Language: en-GB
Bytes: 2687

On 09/06/2024 02:29, Grant Taylor wrote:
> On 6/8/24 19:13, john larkin wrote:
>> The British plugs and outlets are enormous too.
> 
> I like the idea of a fuse in the plug end of the cord.
> 
> I'm only aware of that for Christmas lights in the U.S.A.
> 
> The Christmas lights show that small fuses can fit in a slightly larger 
> plug and not require anything nearly as large as European plugs that 
> I've seen pictures / video of.

Fuses in plugs is a UK thing. Continental 3 pin plugs are every bit as 
brutal in shape as UK plugs but are unfused. Continental 2 pin is pretty 
similar size to US except with round pins 230vac rather than flat ones.

I have to say that 13A fused plugs at 3kW run quite warm to the touch as 
well (at least on a continuous load). eg. Fan heater warming up a cold room.

Kettle is an intermittment load so seldom gets used for long enough for 
the heat to really build up to noticeable levels. UK 13A plugs and 
sockets have fairly recently been derated to 10A (2.4kW load). I suspect 
with the phasing our of beryllium copper springs in their internals.

Belgacom stackable telcoms plugs look like they were designed for 
3-phase mains for good measure. Almost same size as UK mains plugs!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrapolar_plug

Their workmen have a sense of humour too. They installed my ISDN service 
box on the dining room wall so that we could enjoy the LED light show...

Cable TV guy was much more helpful.

-- 
Martin Brown