I have a plug in transformer for my digital radio. The earth pin, simply broke off, when I last unplugged it. The device does have the double square box on it, suggesting I don't need an earth, but does this mean I don't need an earth to the radio it supplies, via the twin wire cable, and plug which supplies the radio with its low voltage supply? ie - should I buy a new transformer?
Thanks. Roy
The earth pin on a BS1363 socket is needed to open up the shutters on the live and neutral holes on the socket and allow the plugs live and neutral to enter the socket . Without an earth pin you cannot use the transformer in any of your sockets.
It is new transformer time.
Adam
No, throw it away or wear rubber gloves and switch it on and off with a long plastic pole. Use your common sense, do you really need to post such a question to a newsgroup?
Not necessarily, Adam. If he uses the same socket all the time, he can switch it off and plug the transformer in by using something non-conductive to open the shutters and then just leave it plugged in. He can simply switch the socket on and off then as required. Alternatively, he can plug it into an adaptor - like this:
Of course, if it's easily obtainable and doesn't cost too much, a new transformer would be preferable but the above solution would be perfectly ok. It is a class II appliance so no earth is required.
An earth connection is there in the event a loose (live) wire can manage to make contact with a metal surface which is also in contact with the person using whatever it is. So things like irons, toasters etc are earthed.
These sorts of PSUs don't tend to be, as the mains side is typically partitioned off by plastic dividers within the unit - so there is no possibility of a live wire within the unit breaking free and coming into contact with the DC side - where it could potentially electrocute you through the low voltage cable plug. And of course the outer case is plastic - hence double insulation mark.
You will also note they tend to have anti-tamper screws and no ventilation slots (or shielded slots) so you can't go sticking metal objects in. It also means they can make the earth pin out of plastic (to open the shutters as Adam has said) - which can then break off.
You don't necessarily need to buy an original replacement if you can't easily get hold of one. The likes of Maplin
It follows that the only time you'd probably find an earth on a radio is if it had an integral mains transformer and a metal outer case.
Midge.
PS - I'm in the camp that says it sets a bad example (e.g. to kids) to carry on using broken mains stuff, and an even worse example to poke things into sockets to do so! ;)
To have broken off, I assume the earth pin was plastic (or equivalent), not brass (or equivalent) which further confirms that its sole purpose is mechanical, not electrical.
Either way, and especially if it's from the OEM (eg Pure, who charge over £30, IIRC) I would seek a free replacement. It may be well over a year old but if, as you say, it "simply broke off", surely it must have been defective?
It should be designed to be inserted and removed endlessly without damage, and I can't imagine why the manufacturer would want to quibble. If they're any good, they'd want to find out what went wrong, and keep you as a happy customer.
How do you think I charge up my mobile phone:-)
Adam
Some of the charger/power supplies I use only have a plastic earth pin suggesting it is only there to open the shutter to allow the other two to go in. If it were mine, and it is left plugged in I would continue using it without a single worry. If however its something that regularly unplugged I would replace it, mostly to make life simple. Have a rummage around in your "Man drawer"* you are bound to find another one that will work.
Which is why I don't let them see me do it
You could swap the socket where you use it for a modern MK socket. They don't use the earth pin to open the shutters, but instead rely on equal pressure from the live and neutral pins, together with the right shape pin ends. That should still work with a missing earth pin.
replying to John Veldman, India wrote: Why are some people so rude?! It's simple, just don't reply if you think that!
Nobody did for seven years...
If the earth pin is plastic it means the appliance is double insulated and does not require an earth. But you still need an earth pin as it opens the live and neutral shutters.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.