Safe Block - who sells 'em?

[dom]

I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the same function but go by a different name?

[John Weston]

I've got one upstairs but Google gives several Ebay choices or:

[Harry Bloomfield]

[e-mail] laid this down on his screen :

I use a couple on my test benches and is the name I use.

I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S grounds and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.

Curiously - Nothing found on ebay either.

[Steve Walker]

Mmmm, I know what you mean - I've seen them used in electrical retailers. Personally I always end up using insulated test leads with mini croc clips when I want to try a batch of components, but it's a bit fiddly and I wouldn't mind a "safe block" for the workbench (old trembly hands nowadays....)

[Bob Eager]

I remember them. Haven't seen one for quite a while.

I was afraid elf 'n safety had got rid of them, but Google shows they are still around. Google for SafeBloc (no 'k').

There's another unrelated product with the same name, so you'll need to filter those out!

[Steve Walker]

£20 on Ebay - item 350267949459

[js.b1]

Ebay...

- 350267949459

- Quicktest Test Block Mains with Neon

- =A320

- 310187263681

- ELECTROVISION BLACK QUICK TEST BLOCK WITH COLOUR CODED

- =A330

Not the cheapest in fact.

Do a google for "Mains Test Block".

- DJSoundKit =A320

- TestMeter.co.uk =A320 block with orange lid / cord / plug

- RS Components 458-926 =A319

[js.b1]

To add...

- Cliff CL1850

- Farnell do under 658716 =A319, out of stock

The cheapest solution is an adaptable box with 1/4-turn fasteners, Wago Lever Clips to power cord, gland, BS1363 plug. Strip 10mm off the cable, open wago lever, insert, close lever, then plug into the mains.

[Toby]

This is what you want

Click on "Further Information" at the bottom to get a picture.

Toby...

[Steve Walker]

Crikey, now they're clever little dooberries aren't they..! Bought a small batch on ebay just now, they look really useful.

[mick]

That's the beast. They (or something very like them) used to be known as "Keynectors". Very good.

[Harry Bloomfield]

Steve Walker has brought this to us :

The 'safe' part is that before you can get to the croc clips - opening the cover disconnects the supply.

[geoff]

In message , " [e-mail]" writes

I've bought them from CPC in the past

[The Medway Handyman]

Ah! Keynectors. Thats the name I remember.

[Rob Horton]

Another H&S myth.

A quick search reveals that the usual suspects do supply them.

RS, reassuringly expensive

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Urban myth which pushed up the secondhand prices. ;-)

All the usual suspects stock them - RS Components etc.

They're safer than any other form of temporary connection like a connector strip.

[Frank Erskine]

Agreed. I regularly use a couple of them.

I've heard of some of them nicknamed "LEN" blocks, since the terminal clips are labelled "L","E" and "N".

[Rob Horton]

Or wire nuts.

[PeterC]

've a 30-year old RS one - no colour-coding and has bare metal clips. Bet that wouldn't be sold nowadays!

[geoff]