Is it possible in NZ to use this: home automation system?

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richms

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#1414256 27-Oct-2015 00:27

Rikkitic: What about just a simple flat multiplier? I use them whenever I encounter one of those stupid extension cords with the recessed connector that only fits a round plug. If you only use one outlet it has the same electrical properties as the power point it is plugged into.

All plugs should be round? That's been the standard for 20+ years now.

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Rikkitic

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#1414399 27-Oct-2015 09:58

richms:
Rikkitic: What about just a simple flat multiplier? I use them whenever I encounter one of those stupid extension cords with the recessed connector that only fits a round plug. If you only use one outlet it has the same electrical properties as the power point it is plugged into.

All plugs should be round? That's been the standard for 20+ years now.

So I have some old plugs. It is still really annoying when one doesn't fit. Further to the discussion, I am interested in the distinction, if any, between illegal to sell and illegal to use. If you happen to have electrical connectors (and many do) that are breaking the law regarding what may be sold, are you also breaking the law by simply using it? Does this affect your insurance?

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richms

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#1414612 27-Oct-2015 13:01

Unless its something that has been notified by energy safety service then you can keep using it in your own personal house etc. Sparkys can refuse to install old things if they are fixed wiring, like if you buy a whole lot of aweful PDL wall plates from trademe to match the ones you already have when you are extending the house. Even selling them is OK, so long as not been notified as a prohibited item.

Use at a business is up to the discression of the person in charge of safety. I know that several guys will not test and tag old plugs when they are on things where they can easily be replaced with a modern compliant plug, so old IEC cables are binned and replaced with ones with insulated pins if they are found, and things with fixed cords have a new clear plug wired on them etc.

The only plugs that are still fit for use that are not round I have come across have been some old piggyback ones. I dont like those out of principle because they are as bad as double adapters about allowing outlets to be overloaded, so dont have any around.

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#1414649 27-Oct-2015 13:43

Thanks very much for that. I appreciate the info. But your comment about double adapters raises another question I have always wondered about. Why is it a problem to overload a power point, regardless of how you do it? Isn't that what fuses are for? If the wiring is fused at 15 amps, presumably this means the wiring can handle 15 amps. So you plug heaters into a double adapted 10 amp rated outlet, overload the circuit to 20 amps, fuse blows. What is the problem?

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richms

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#1414654 27-Oct-2015 13:55

Rikkitic: Thanks very much for that. I appreciate the info. But your comment about double adapters raises another question I have always wondered about. Why is it a problem to overload a power point, regardless of how you do it? Isn't that what fuses are for? If the wiring is fused at 15 amps, presumably this means the wiring can handle 15 amps. So you plug heaters into a double adapted 10 amp rated outlet, overload the circuit to 20 amps, fuse blows. What is the problem?

Because the socket is only rated to supply 10 amps, and most power circuits are on a 20 amp breaker. If it was on a 15 amp fuse then that is worse since that will have a longer time to blow than a breaker would.

Put the double adapter on an extension cord and you now have 20 amps thru a 1mm cable. Nice recipe for it getting toasty warm. Plus old and worn sockets will cook up with that level of overloading, as will plugs where they are all oxidised etc. Just a recipie for allowing people to do stupid things, and people will always do stupid things when given the chance.

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#1414668 27-Oct-2015 14:04

Indeed. Thanks again for the explanation.

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#1414723 27-Oct-2015 14:55

If you are just wanting off and on control of things then the orvibo plugs with the AU plug are fully legit plugs on them, since they are sold as 8ware and arlec as well. Software is terrible like most chinese domestic hardware. The one for arlec is just a re-skin of the same software and works with the orvibo branded ones too.

I also have bought a few of the kankun ones. they work ok, and have a universal outlet on them which I find useful, but again, aweful software. Really should look at taking control of them from a local server instead of relying on their cloud service, but more pressing things ahead.

Richard rich.ms

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