Circuit protection (was: RE: Latest addition : PDP 11/70)

From: Master of all that Sucks <vance_at_ikickass.org>
Date: Thu Aug 2 17:24:54 2001

On Thu, 2 Aug 2001, Tony Duell wrote:

> Yes, and what happens if there's a fault so the device draws, say, 10A
> (OK, not likely with a lamp, but possible with other things. Easily
> possible). The fuse will not blow at 10A (it's rated at 15A), but zip
> cord is going to get _very_ hot.

You're assuming that the lamp is the only thing plugged into the
circuit.

> > You could get the right/wrong adapters and plug a table saw into
>
> You mean an adapter that fits in place of the bulb, yes?

I believe that's to what he was alluding.

> > the lamp socket, which would probably fry the zip cord if the saw
> > could draw enough juice to start in the first place.
>
> That's _exactly_ the problem. If somebody tried that here (assuming the
> fuse in the plug was the correct one -- 3A) ,the only result would be a
> blown fuse. And not a cable on fire.

This scenario is VERY against regulation.

Peace... Sridhar

> -tony
>
Received on Thu Aug 02 2001 - 17:24:54 BST