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Sockets seem to be changing, problem for inspection?

I bought some cheap sockets (LAP) from Screwfix yesterday, they have a new feature. The fixing screw holes are obviously a problem to someone because white plastic plugs are provided to fill them in. Having inserted them it is very difficult to get them out again, typically for inspection. Whilst this might be in the cause of Fine Art (sockets are not "smooth" enough?) it is a problem for electricians. It could be because the screws (Earthed) are now exposed conductive parts and must therefore be insulated, but not according to BS7671. If the plugs are not fitted the sockets and LESS tidy than standard models from MK etc. I wonder if anyone else has seen these, because I think they are a fairly bad idea. Fortunately, these are only for my office bench, but I wouldn't use them anywhere else.
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  • davezawadi (David Stone):

    I bought some cheap sockets (LAP) from Screwfix yesterday, they have a new feature. The fixing screw holes are obviously a problem to someone because white plastic plugs are provided to fill them in. Having inserted them it is very difficult to get them out again, typically for inspection. Whilst this might be in the cause of Fine Art (sockets are not "smooth" enough?) it is a problem for electricians. It could be because the screws (Earthed) are now exposed conductive parts and must therefore be insulated, but not according to BS7671. If the plugs are not fitted the sockets and LESS tidy than standard models from MK etc. I wonder if anyone else has seen these, because I think they are a fairly bad idea. Fortunately, these are only for my office bench, but I wouldn't use them anywhere else.


    LAP stuff can be very cheap and nasty. I do not use the accessories.


    The socket screw heads should be earthed as they are exposed conductive parts. Even if the back box is made of wood or plastic, a damaged single insulated conductor inside the box can make a screw, and obviously the screw head which can be touched, live.


    The white plastic inserts are destroyed when being removed. Perhaps that is why I find three in a packet with the wiring accessories. I normally throw the inserts away.


    Z.


     


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  • davezawadi (David Stone):

    I bought some cheap sockets (LAP) from Screwfix yesterday, they have a new feature. The fixing screw holes are obviously a problem to someone because white plastic plugs are provided to fill them in. Having inserted them it is very difficult to get them out again, typically for inspection. Whilst this might be in the cause of Fine Art (sockets are not "smooth" enough?) it is a problem for electricians. It could be because the screws (Earthed) are now exposed conductive parts and must therefore be insulated, but not according to BS7671. If the plugs are not fitted the sockets and LESS tidy than standard models from MK etc. I wonder if anyone else has seen these, because I think they are a fairly bad idea. Fortunately, these are only for my office bench, but I wouldn't use them anywhere else.


    LAP stuff can be very cheap and nasty. I do not use the accessories.


    The socket screw heads should be earthed as they are exposed conductive parts. Even if the back box is made of wood or plastic, a damaged single insulated conductor inside the box can make a screw, and obviously the screw head which can be touched, live.


    The white plastic inserts are destroyed when being removed. Perhaps that is why I find three in a packet with the wiring accessories. I normally throw the inserts away.


    Z.


     


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