XPost: uk.tech.broadcast, uk.tech.digital-tv, uk.rec.audio   
   XPost: sci.electronics.repair   
   From: G6JPG@soft255.demon.co.uk   
      
   In message <9mg6r1FiuuU1@mid.individual.net>, David Looser   
    writes:   
   >"Eiron"  wrote in message   
   >news:9mg55iF5j0U1@mid.individual.net...   
   []   
   >There always was a tolerance range on the UK 240V mains, what happened was   
   >that these tolerance limits were widened and re-centred on 230V. But these   
   >new limits are now EU-wide so any equipment manufactured to these new limits   
   >(230V +/- 10%) is suitable for sale anywhere within the EU.   
   >>   
   >> And the UK plugs are rather large. That would be a valid criticism.   
   >> It spoils the lines of a laptop bag....   
   >>   
   >I agree, the BS1363 plug is not my favourite design. Some years ago there   
      
   It is far too big for most of the devices currently on it, yes - and   
   also, the three ratings for the matching fuse (BS1362) widely available   
   are far too high: 3, 5, and 13A. (Even 1A - which you _can_ get in   
   BS1362, but you don't half have to hunt for it - is too high for most   
   electronic appliances.) IMO, the fact that the plugs are fused actually   
   gives a _false_ sense of security, _because_ the fuse ratings are so   
   high; all that fuse can effectively protect is the mains lead (or power   
   cord, as it's called in US) itself.   
      
   >was a serious attempt to introduce a EU standard plug & socket, an attempt   
   >that failed because of the NIH (not-invented-here) factor. I rather like the   
   >German 'Shucko' socket and would be happy to see it replace the BS1363   
   >socket here, but can you image the reaction of the Daily Mail readers? :-)   
      
   I feel the same, but I suspect it's because it's what I grew up with (in   
   British army quarters in Germany, which used German fixtures and   
   fittings). [I don't think there's a "c" in it, by the way. Oh, hang on -   
   I think there is, but before the h not the k.]   
   >   
   >David.   
   >   
   >   
   --   
   J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf   
      
   "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than going to a garage   
   makes you a car." - Laurence J. Peter   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)