1 Aug
2001
1 Aug
'01
11:53 a.m.
Of course this doesn't address the issue of devices
which may fail
at a
current draw that is substantially above the devices
nominal draw
but
less than the rating of the branch -- but then neither
do
individually
fused outlets unless you are careful to change the fuse
each time
you
connect a device -- which I've certainly never
observed happening
in my
visits to the UK. Instead almost all appliances and
devices are
required
In the UK, the MCB (circuit-breaker) or fuse in the
main box is there to protect the ring main (the
wiring in the wall). The fuse in the plug is there
to protect the power cord. If the appliance
needs protecting, it should have its own fuse :-)
No fuse can guarantee that the appliance won't
burst into flames - the appliance is supposed to
have passed some minimal safety testing to
make that unlikely - if it needs fuses to pass
the test they'll be fitted internally.
The remainder of the system does its best
to ensure your iring won't burst into flames.
Antonio