Andy said: >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. < This is an interesting argument, because if the power consumption is such that it can safely be powered from a 13 amp plug, it's arguable that a lathe or mill is no more a fixed installation than a washing machine. They all come with 13amp plugs........and as the washing machine needs connections to water, it's more of a fixed installation than a lathe. >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.< Yes - until tomorrow, when I'm off again, but this time only to Antibes on the Cote d'Azur for a one day meeting. But it looks a bit like it may be back to California next week. Already at 12 noon feeling the jet lag...Yawn! Peter Chadwick Swindon. MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.