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Oversized BS1363 plug body safety problem

Foffer

I have purchased an electric smoker BBQ rated at 2800W made by a household name brand which is intended to be used outdoors.  It is fitted with a 1.5m lead incorporating a 10mA RCD which is included within an enlarged plug body.  The instructions and the label on the lead state that it must only be plugged into a socket or extension lead suitable for outdoor use.   The problem I have is that the elongated plug on the appliance will not fit into any type of outdoor socket I can find.  These sockets are usually made so that the lid can be closed over an installed plug the design of which means the socket is slightly recessed within the body, leaving a raised edge.  This stops the pins of the elongated RCD plug from being able reach the socket, even with the lid open.

I have found a work-around by using an adaptor plug as a spacer between the outdoor socket and the RCD plug. Not ideal, but if anyone has any better suggestion I'd like to hear it.  All my property is RCD protected so I could cut the RCD plug off and fit a standard plug but then the warranty could be compromised.   

I have written to the manufacturer but haven't had any response yet.

How have we ended up with so many different sized plug bodies?  Some prevent the second socket being used in a double outlet, some prevent the on/off switch being used and as in this case won't fit in an outdoor socket.

Are there any regs regarding the compatibility of all BS1363 sockets and plugs, if not should there be?

Parents

  • An aside,

    This idea that all warranty /guarantee is cancelled if you take the plug off is not generally correct, and in terms of statutory rights as a buyer of an appliance, is not enforceable. What you cannot of of course claim for is if you get a shock because you mis-wire the replacement plug, or if somehow you damage the cable, but there are very few ways you can do that, where the house RCD would not save you. Your normal consumer rights in respect of the rest of the machine remain.

    However, what may be at risk are extended cover and protections that the makers offer as add-ons ,where of course they can insist on whatever odd conditions they fancy to get out of any claim made on it  they like - you return it in the original box,  you get it serviced annually by their agents or what have you.

    However the more responsible suppliers acknowledge that you may need to change the plug and say that you should only do so in a certain way.
    It is not soo long ago that  we were fitting round pin sockets, and there are some still in service, though not many these days. For this reason, until quite recently, regulations required that mains leads came with a little sticker telling you the colours off the wires within in case yo had to change the plug - unless you are taking the plug off, the internal colours really could be anything (but really should not be).
    Mike.

Reply

  • An aside,

    This idea that all warranty /guarantee is cancelled if you take the plug off is not generally correct, and in terms of statutory rights as a buyer of an appliance, is not enforceable. What you cannot of of course claim for is if you get a shock because you mis-wire the replacement plug, or if somehow you damage the cable, but there are very few ways you can do that, where the house RCD would not save you. Your normal consumer rights in respect of the rest of the machine remain.

    However, what may be at risk are extended cover and protections that the makers offer as add-ons ,where of course they can insist on whatever odd conditions they fancy to get out of any claim made on it  they like - you return it in the original box,  you get it serviced annually by their agents or what have you.

    However the more responsible suppliers acknowledge that you may need to change the plug and say that you should only do so in a certain way.
    It is not soo long ago that  we were fitting round pin sockets, and there are some still in service, though not many these days. For this reason, until quite recently, regulations required that mains leads came with a little sticker telling you the colours off the wires within in case yo had to change the plug - unless you are taking the plug off, the internal colours really could be anything (but really should not be).
    Mike.

Children
  • in reply to mapj1

    Thank you for your suggestion about the box, this would indeed work, and your valued advice about whether or not to change the plug.

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