where is the line?

**adrianh** · 07-Dec-10, 09:15 AM

Coming into contact with the L + N simultaneously whilst being completely insulated from earth isn't a very likely scenario

What about things like bedside lamps that are only wired with flex?

**AndyD** · 07-Dec-10, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by adrianh

What about things like bedside lamps that are only wired with flex?

I don't understand the question. Any lamps which have a metal body should be earthed via a 3-wire flex and 3-pin plug. There should be no physical way to come into contact with the live and neutral wiring on any lamp.

**Justloadit** · 07-Dec-10, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by adrianh

What about things like bedside lamps that are only wired with flex?

THESE are usually imported cheap nasty devices. According to SANAS/SABS, all equipment which has metal must be earthed, clearly the twin flex fails.

Anyway any new electrical equipment now imported into RSA, requires a SABS certificate , or it will not be released by customs.

**adrianh** · 07-Dec-10, 12:45 PM

Don't know about that. I have a metal SABS approved Eurolux lamp clamped to my desk that has a 2 pin plug. I bought the lamp about 6 months ago.

**Dave A** · 07-Dec-10, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by AndyD

Coming into contact with the L + N simultaneously whilst being completely insulated from earth isn't a very likely scenario, it could happen but it shouldn't.

I agree - you just can't cover for every eventuality, especially those who are trying to win the Darwin Awards

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**AndyD** · 07-Dec-10, 09:51 PM

You can't regulate to cover that kinda stupidity

She should at least pierce her tongue and get a 5mm stud so a decent trailing earth strap could be installed on to it by the next electrical contractor who sees her doing that. Anyway looking on the bright side, unless she nail-guns her head to the wall she wouldn't be considered a fixed appliance so she wouldn't be part of a COC.

**Dave A** · 08-Dec-10, 01:29 AM

There's just no justice in this world.

Once she's zapped, she'll probably fall down and break contact.

Which is what is likely to happen if you're hooked up while standing on a ladder,
which is also what is likely to happen to the oke who grabs both conductors while wearing insulated shoes so that he doesn't trip the earth leakage.

Of course some people just have no luck at all. In which case I suggest you follow them around with a video camera. You should get lots of good material to post on Youtube.