On 22/01/2009 18:50, Tony Duell wrote:
I beleive that Christmas lights are one of the
few (if not the only)
single-insulated non-earthed device that can be sold in the UK.
[ ... ]
I also wonder how the light bulb sockets (both
the BC (Baynoet Cap) ones
used in the UK and the ES ones used elsewhere are approved. With the bulb
removed (which can be done without the use of a tool), there are exposed
livel parts.
The IET Wiring Regulations merely require that you can't touch a live
part with a finger (and there's a standard to define how fat a finger
is) and without the use of a tool. It doesn't mean you can't remove the
bulb without a tool, it means you can't then touch the live part without
a tool. In the case of Christmas lights the metal is somewhat recessed,
and you can't get a finger in, so it's allowed.
Normal bayonet cap bulbs like in ordinary household light fittings have
exposed live parts that can be touched with a finger. The bulb base is
about an inch across! You'd have to have hellish fat fingers to not fit
them into the socket.
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NO CARRIER