I have a clothes drier connected via 13A plug in to a double socket. I noticed that the plug was getting quite warmish when in use. I checked the wiring of the plug and the socket - all nice and tight connections with no sign of any problem. I replaced the socket with a new MK double socket. I replaced the plug with a new MK 13A plug. When I came to plug in the plug I realised that there was a sticker on the front of the plug which said it only fitted an MK "non-standard socket", I then realised why: the earth pin on the new plug was a slight T in cross-section. The plug I had bought was this one:
Note that there is no indication that this is other than a standard
13A plug until you look at the Product Information tab (after the event of buying it and trying to use it of course)There was no indication on the bag containing the plug that it was non-standard in any way: only apparent when you took it out of the bag, and if you noticed the sticker on the front of the plug.
I took it back to RS - and the guy I spoke to there was nonplused as well and agreed that it should be much clearer on the web-site and on the plug package what you were buying. He said he had never noticed the odd type of plug before or sold one.
I got a refund - no problem.
(I did not get a "standard" MK 13A plug from RS as they only sold them in packs of ten. The "odd" ones were sold singulalry which must be an indication of the low demand for them)
Any way: plug and socket now working fine: but still a very slight noticeable warmth of the plug.
Has anyone ever come across these plugs and used them: if so - why did you need them and the "extra protection" what ever that is.