[modeleng] Re: FW: Question about phase converters
- From: "Andrew Houston" <andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2006 21:12:34 -0000
Peter said:
>But be a bit careful, as some "professional help" can be a bit dubious, and
you should get one professionally qualified. Not like a "professional
satellite TV installer" I heard of, who was actually a butcher by trade!<
I know what you mean, however, when I write "Professional" I mean qualified
and working professionally. Similarly, when I write "Engineers" I don't
mean the guys that repair the televisions, washing machines, etc. They're
more accurately classified as Technicians - and some repairers couldn't even
be classed as that.
One day I'll tell you all the full story of the man who repaired our
automatic washing machine (Just out of guarantee, of course). In short
form:- It wouldn't spin, so he replaced the motor brushes (took two days to
get the correct ones) and then burnt out the main motor. Actiul root cause
of the problem was "washing powder cement" (Powder bulkers + dirt + grease)
which blocked the path to the pneumatic water level switch. During the
pump-out cycle (after wash and before spin) the water pumped out but,
according to the level switch, there appeared to be water left up to the
door - - so M/C wouldn't start the spin cycle. If the M/C was left for an
hour or so, the air pressure gradually released and the spin worked. Since
he checked the spin, after his "repair", with no previous wash cycle - it
worked. Only when he'd left and my wife attempted the daily wash, the
problem reappeared.
Needless to say, I cured the problem and his company refunded the charges.
Regarding the "permanent installation", it could be argued that a Lathe or
Mill is a "fixed appliance" and, therefore, should be connected to mains
electricity by the approved methods. A 13A plug into a socket would not be
approved, even if the M/C load did not exceed the capacity of the Plug. It
might be a mute point, however, when - as I think I said - I've seen too
many Central Heating installations, Cooker Hobs and the like so connected.
Moving onwards. Yes. Many makes of 13A can't handle 13A for any sustained
period. The usual reason is that the fuse holder has insufficient contact
area on the fuse. That's why I usually de-rate to 10A. BTW. The moulded
plugs that are supplied on many Electric Clothes Irons, tend to get rather
hot in service. I'd have to look up the relevant BS, but if you use a well
known make - such as MK (No connexion, No pun intended) - you are usually
OK.
Off topic. Sorry. Don't deal in fixed wiring these days and my EMC work is
aimed at Office Equipment. Back about 20 years, I had dealings with "EMP
and Tree" - but, back then, not very many installations had RCDs.
By the time you read this, you'll probably be back in Swindon. If so,
welcome home and enjoy your rest - until the next flight abroad on business.
Been there, done that, worn the T-shirt and, as I'm sure you'll agree -
business travel may sound exciting, but the inside of the Hilton in Tokyo
looks the same as the Hilton anywhere else. These days, I prefer to get
home each evening and do a bit of "furtling" in my workshop.
Andy
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