PAT testing plugs with 1/2 insulated earth pin

[PyROm]

Our laptops are currently being PAT tested by an outside company and weve had 2 fail so far because the earth pin has a plastic shield at the top of it (half insulated). These are official HP and Compaq mains leads, I was wondering if anyone else had come accross this?

Thanks
Robin

[Chris_]

Our laptops are currently being PAT tested by an outside company and weve had 2 fail so far because the earth pin has a plastic shield at the top of it (half insulated). These are official HP and Compaq mains leads, I was wondering if anyone else had come accross this?

Thanks
Robin

Can you post a picture of the plug please?

Thanks

[HaleStorm]

If the earth pin is shielded that means it does not conform to BS1363 which makes it as i understand, not legal for use in the country....the only way you would get away with it is if its a figure8 cable and therefore does not require the earthpin

[CyberNerd]

The bottom two pins have to be half shielded. It doesn't matter about the top pin.
Check it has BS1363 though

[PyROm]

Photo attached. As in photo its a rounded 3 pin laptop connector.earth_pin.jpg

[PyROm]

It has moulded into it BS-1363/ALP-60L.
Just found it odd that a UK plug would be made that wasnt legal, and used by HP.

[Oaktech]

this sounds like a chinese-not-understanding-ism

"So, these two lower pins need a plastic shield so people don't zap themselves whilst puting the plug in... Ok, then lets put one on the other pin too, you can't be too safe."

[CyberNerd]

It has moulded into it BS-1363/ALP-60L.
Just found it odd that a UK plug would be made that wasnt legal, and used by HP.

Its fine. The PAT test company are at fault.
Some moulded plugs have entirely plastic earth pins.

[Oaktech]

Photo attached. As in photo its a rounded 3 pin laptop connector.earth_pin.jpg

As a former pat tester with 5 years experience, i wouldn't have batted an eyelid at that.

[sidewinder]

First plug I checked on my desk has the same on the earth pin, and our stuff was all PAT tested not long ago (and didnt fail)

[steveg]

Have a look here BS 1363 Plugs and Sockets

Picture on the second row of pictures down shows why they should be failed and replaced. Not sure if its an official part of the regulations, but that picture alone is enough to convince me!

Steve

[Andrew_C]

Its fine. The PAT test company are at fault.
Some moulded plugs have entirely plastic earth pins.

Errr yess... but those would only ever be used on a Class 2 appliance.

I'm sure I've never seen one of the plugs in question!

[HaleStorm]

As that lead clearly has an Earth then there should be no form of plastic shielding on the earth pin as earth grips in wall-plugs are close to the base of the pin when its inserted....if the plastic is in the contact point...how is it earthing? answer: it is not an is dangerous

[Chris_]

Errr yess... but those would only ever be used on a Class 2 appliance.

I'm sure I've never seen one of the plugs in question!

I've never seen one of those plugs either.

The only dodgy type I've seen is one of these, half insulated earth pin and no fuse! Needless to say it found its way to the bin pretty quickly.

[Andrew_C]

Maybe my post wasn't too clear. Fully insulated earth pin, on Class 2 appliance or Telefunken cable = fine. Any of these 1/2 sleeved abominations ≠ fine.