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Gerintech Double Powerpoint with 2 USB Ports $12.99 (Was $19.99) + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $39 Spend) @ Amazon AU

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Gerintech Double Powerpoint with 2 USB Ports $12.99 (Was $19.99) + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $39 Spend) @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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AssociatedOzie @ Gerintech on 08/09/2020 - 09:24 amazon.com.au (2809 clicks)
Last edited 08/09/2020 - 12:24 by 1 other user
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SAA Certified︱＊Certified Number: SAA-190519-EA. Compliance Standards: AS/NZS 3112:2017, AS/NZS 3100:2017 Inc A1, AS/NZS 60950.1:2015.
2 USB Ports︱＊ Charge your mobile devices without bulky power adaptors. These ports are covered to prevent dust accumulation.
Double Powerpoint︱＊This Australian switched dual 3 pin Socket has individual On/Off switches to turn off devices when not in use. It provides a nominal voltage of 250 volts at a maximum of 10 amps.
USB Applications︱＊USB socket is suitable for charging most IOS, Android, Windows Phone or tablets.
Product Size︱＊118mm(W)72mm(H)35mm(D). Mounting Centre : 84mm.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Electrical & Electronics Power Socket

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closed Comments

  • Scales82 on 08/09/2020 - 09:29

    Thanks, been wanting to grab one for a while

    • b2dz on 08/09/2020 - 09:39
      +7

      USB Output : DC 5V/2.1A total

      • Scales82 on 08/09/2020 - 09:40
        -3

        err, ok? didnt ask

        • jayboi on 08/09/2020 - 09:44
          +9

          they accidentally replied to your instead of another person who asked the question below

        • truemana on 08/09/2020 - 11:32
          +4

          Thanks, I’d love an omelette right about now

      • bdl on 08/09/2020 - 09:46
        +4

        Good for keeping smart speakers powered

  • dust on 08/09/2020 - 09:32
    +3

    The USB sockets are always on though right? Even if nothing is plugged in?

    • manja on 08/09/2020 - 09:37

      yes. I have the similar costco one and the usb sockets are always on.

    • bargaino on 08/09/2020 - 11:09
      +2

      It would be nice to know the standby power draw.

      Might be OK, but power sockets have a very long lifetime.
      Just 1W adds up to $50 in electricity bills over 20 years. So worth getting a well-designed socket!

      • Thranrond on 08/09/2020 - 15:58

        $50 for 20 years is not much at all. That’s 20 cents a month…

        • bio on 08/09/2020 - 17:19
          +2

          That's not the point. You can buy a better power socket for $12.99+$50.

    • rentonc on 08/09/2020 - 15:06

      These ones don't draw power when not in use:
      https://sockitz.com.au/m/index.php/sockitz-usb-power-points.…

      • bio on 08/09/2020 - 17:21

        They are also 3.5A total, better than this deal.

        Why only black though?

        • rentonc on 11/09/2020 - 11:32
          +1

          I bought a white one a few years ago. Maybe they currently have no stock.

  • JuryWheel on 08/09/2020 - 09:39

    Do these do fast charging?

    • jackwoz on 08/09/2020 - 09:52

      2.1A is pretty fast

      • stirlo on 08/09/2020 - 10:13
        +7

        Not in 2020. 2.1A is basically the minimum for modern phones

        Fast regular USB is 2.4A and most phones and chargers now support charging with QC3.0 or USB-PD

      • cookie_lu on 08/09/2020 - 10:18
        +3

        To me 2.1A per port charging is acceptable, like someone said more of a convenience than the new fast charging.

        But 2.1A total for the two ports i think is not acceptable.

      • Trojan on 08/09/2020 - 10:19
        +2

        I could probably live with 2.1A per port but 2.1A total for both port is a deal breaker for me

  • blackwalnut on 08/09/2020 - 09:40
    -1

    Easy to install without electrician?

    • xoom on 08/09/2020 - 09:42
      +4

      As it says in the image. Please get a licensed electrician to install this.

    • Muzeeb on 08/09/2020 - 09:42
      -1

      Yes

    • Aureus on 08/09/2020 - 09:44
      +10

      Yes, but not legal.

      • bargaino on 08/09/2020 - 11:00
        -1

        Legal for 99% of people, including NZ, which uses this socket type.

        But why do we care about that? You might as well say it is illegal to operate the switch on the Sabbath. Same practical significance.

        OK, I guess i tend to agree with "if you have to ask, don't do it" advice.

        • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 11:28
          -1

          Until you have a house fire and the investigator find the remains of it in the ash. (Yes, they can do this.) Questions start to get asked and if you can't answer them satisfactorily, and can't provide evidence the socket was installed correctly by a licenced electrician, then your insurance company won't cover it. Plus, you can also be up for prosecution for doing unauthorised work. Can you afford to risk that? This scenario also doesn't take into consideration to danger to you and your family - can you afford to risk THAT?

          • eug on 08/09/2020 - 11:31

            @Chazzozz: What makes changing a socket more dangerous in Australia than in New Zealand?

          • truemana on 08/09/2020 - 11:35

            @Chazzozz: Except this work is done every day by home owners in North America and this doomsday scenario doesn’t happen.

            Check the statistics on home electric shock and electrocution.

            If Australia treated mechanical work the same as electrical, it would be illegal to change your tyres or install brake pads. You’d be prosecuted for owning car jacks or a ladder.

          • eegos on 08/09/2020 - 11:37
            +1

            @Chazzozz: I am wondering about "cant provide evidence the socket was installed correctly by a licensed electrician, then your insurance company won't cover it", do we need to keep the Certificate?

            We purchased an established house 15 years ago and I cant remember we have this kind of docs.
            What would happen if THAT risk happened?
            How to prove to our insurance company?

            • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 11:45

              @eegos: Generally, if you buy a pre-existing house then you should have received documents to the effect that everything was built/installed/modified according to code, so that should suffice for anything that was done before you bought it. Essentially, the onus will then fall on whomever you paid to do the building inspection on your behalf as they look for this kind of thing. Anything you get done yourself should also have certification, or at least an invoice or statement of work from the tradesperson, and you will need to hang onto that for your own records or to pass on to the next owner.

              BTW, I am not a professional electrician or a lawyer, so if you have genuine concerns then I'd advise speaking to one of them.

            • iDroid on 08/09/2020 - 12:20
              +1

              @eegos:

              do we need to keep the Certificate?

              Yeah it's right there in my burn… oh wait.

          • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 11:38

            @Chazzozz: See further down where ashpete02 gives professional advice about it. My comment was more to get people to think before they try undertaking this kind of work. Yes, the chance of electrocution and fire these days is probably low, but if you do it you need to understand the risks. You can get away with it 100 times in a row, but it only takes that one time for it to go very wrong.

            [Edit: note to self…don't reply to own comments or that breaks threading.]

          • salmon123 on 08/09/2020 - 11:41
            +5

            @Chazzozz:

            can't provide evidence the socket was installed correctly by a licenced electrician

            I can't remember the plumber that unclogged my toilet last week, let alone the electrician that installed a socket last year. As if people keep evidence of every tradesperson that's ever visited their house.

            As for your house burning down, it's just as likely the socket could be faulty, than just faulty installation. It would be difficult to pinpoint that issue. Do you think an electrician's liability insurer is just going to cough up money in this scenario? Hell no.

            I'm not suggesting that people start installing their own sockets, since it's illegal to do so, just calling you out for your non-sense post.

            • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 11:49

              @salmon123: All I can say is I've seen this happen, more than once. It's not a matter of public record so I can't point you to examples, thus you can treat my comment as just a bunch of hot air if you wish.

              • salmon123 on 08/09/2020 - 11:58

                @Chazzozz:

                All I can say is I've seen this happen, more than once

                Yes - I believe you, people's houses burn down all the time, due to faulty wiring (bad DIY jobs, too old, poorly installed by a professional).

                Being asked to provide evidence that a socket was installed by an electrician is non-sense. I'm sure the DIY installers confessed long before any evidence was requested.

                It's not a matter of public record so I can't point you to examples

                How is it not a matter of public record, if someone's house burnt down and the fire brigade/police/ambulance were called?

                As for criminal charges over negligent DIY electrical work, I just don't see anything on a google search, leading me to conclude that no one has been made an example of yet.

                • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 12:19

                  @salmon123:

                  Being asked to provide evidence that a socket was installed by an electrician is non-sense.

                  No, it's not. If an investigator finds evidence of non-compliance they can, and will, ask questions. I have assisted with such investigations and I'm simply amazed at what they can find it the rubble. It's really quite a fascinating process. And, yes, a lot of people will readily confirm when shown the evidence, but if an investigator is unsure of your replies they can, and will, ask for more information. If you can verify it you're in the clear, but insurance companies will pounce upon any tiny shred of evidence to prove they don't need to cover something. It's always good to keep in mind that insurance companies don't make money by paying claims, so if they can wiggle out of it - they will.

                  How is it not a matter of public record

                  Oh, sure, the incidents I've been involved in are likely recorded somewhere, but what goes on between insurance companies and individuals is not public. As for criminal negligence, I'm also not aware of any but that's not what my point was - my point was to illustrate that if you do this on a large scale (e.g. replace all the powerpoints in your home or business yourself) then regulatory authorities would take a very dim view of this, and may potentially take action. As I said elsewhere, I'm not a lawyer so if this is a genuine concern you need to consult one.

              • RockyRaccoon on 08/09/2020 - 12:26
                +3

                @Chazzozz: Can you explain, how an home inspector at purchase would know a powerpoint from the previous owner was installed by a qualified electrician?

                They dont remove every powerpoint and check the wiring. Even then if it was installed correctly there isnt a fingerprinting system linked to qualified electricians to check who put the wires into the back of the powerpoint. And were they still qualified when the did the install.

                It could be even the apprentice, who the electrician rechecked, or not.

                While not advocating self install, you are just making some of this up and that's just fear mongering.

                • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 12:35

                  @RockyRaccoon: No, I'm not making it up and, no, I'm not trying to fear-monger. Let me just put it this way:

                  If you want to do electrical work yourself that's your choice. Just look at the risks and weigh up if you're comfortable taking them and accepting any consequences. If you aren't, seek help from a professional.

                  I'm not trying to scare anyone, I'm just trying to arm people with knowledge so they can make their own judgement call.

                  Oh, as for building inspectors - when you buy a house and a building inspector is engaged it's their signature that goes on the form to say it's all in good order. You'll need to ask one them what they do and how far they go.

                  • SteveAndBelle on 08/09/2020 - 13:25

                    @Chazzozz: The usual Building & Pest inspection is pretty useless TBH and only really uncovers the most basic of basic issues. You basically sign any liability away from the inspector… and fair enough too! A full inspection taking on full liability would basically require the entire house be disassembled and rebuilt let alone costing many thousands. I think the last time we had a quote for a full, detailed building inspection on a property we weren't sure about it was several thousand dollars but they still made sure they weren't liable for quite a lot… plus it was time based anyway so only covered you for a year or two.

                    Interestingly we didn't include a building & pest inspection in our last property purchase. Firstly due to the above and secondly we quickly learnt it wasn't the 'done thing' in the area we were buying as it was (& always will be) a sellers market so the seller simply picks & chooses the path of least resistence. Totally our risk… but that's OK :)

                  • RockyRaccoon on 08/09/2020 - 13:26
                    +1

                    @Chazzozz: Your statement said

                    Generally, if you buy a pre-existing house then you should have received documents to the effect that everything was built/installed/modified according to code

                    (My emphasis on the everything)

                    Most purchase building inspections (apart from new builds which is a different certification), dont cover anything concealed within the walls such as insulation, plumbing and electric wiring.

                    Unless of course it has some external indicator, like dampness.

                    Again as I stated, if you want the kind of certication that you are discussing here, it would require the seller to have certifications to prove and existing work was also done to code BY a person certified.

                    So your response to eegos is simply misleading, as its a certificate that doesnt exist or one that no one buying an existing house is required to get.

                    Again, not saying they should use this to justify doing their own work, but dont say something thats not applicable

                  • tomfool on 08/09/2020 - 13:30
                    +3

                    @Chazzozz: I have been through 5 house purchases every one had a building inspection, none of them included details on electrical work. They tended to look at the structure. i am sure if there was exposed wiring that looked dangerous they would mention it though, however typically being builders they themselves would not be qualified to pull power points from the wall to validate. Also their small print pretty much protects them from any defects found that they did not report on. Not suggesting people should install power points themselves just pointing out that if the previous owner did and your house burns down there is no way the building inspector will pay anything.

                    • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 13:49
                      +2

                      @tomfool: Okay, point taken. I can't go back and edit that comment any more so hopefully most folks reading this thread will have the stamina to read all the way down.

                  • salmon123 on 08/09/2020 - 15:45

                    @Chazzozz:

                    insurance companies don't make money by paying claims, so if they can wiggle out of it

                    As I said above, they can try to wiggle out of legit claim, even when you've done nothing wrong too … so that's a topic for another thread.

                    I'm not trying to fear-monger … I'm not trying to scare anyone

                    I think you were with your non-sense and now you're backpedaling.

                    • Chazzozz on 08/09/2020 - 16:13

                      @salmon123: Sorry? I don't understand the personal attack here. I've agreed with the point regarding building inspectors because other people gave a compelling argument backed up with what I saw as a factual description. That's not 'backpedaling'.

                      I'm not trying to scare anyone away from the deal in the OP, I'm just trying to provide a public service to people contemplating undertaking electrical work on their own. There are risks involved - ensure you know what those are and make an informed decision as to whether it's safe to proceed.

            • JamesLucas on 08/09/2020 - 12:12

              @salmon123: The issue is not the common sense of the problem at hand, the issue is the lack of common sense of insurance companies

              • salmon123 on 08/09/2020 - 12:14

                @JamesLucas:

                the issue is the lack of coming sense of insurance companies

                That's a separate topic for another time. Even if you did everything by the book, an insurance company can still deny your claim or drag it out for years, with no apparent reason.

                • MilkDrinker on 08/09/2020 - 14:44

                  @salmon123: Just an fyi for y'all. On most electrical devices there is a date of manufacture imprinted (usually on the plastic on most modern day).

                  Thats where they get ya, since the manufacture date devices would be different from the build date devices.

                  Also statute of limitations (15 years) should be the safe point for most unsure/no electrician installs that are not part of initial construction(but I aint a lawyer so consult a professional).

    • leftspeaker2000 on 08/09/2020 - 09:48
      +4

      The hardest part I find about installing things like this is having enough space behind the wall or getting scews to line up.

    • JamesLucas on 08/09/2020 - 11:18
      +1

      Yes but my understanding is that should any issue occur in your house and the insurance for whatever reason ask to see receipts for the new looking sockets then you may have issues.
      In NZ like for like replacement is allowed but not in OZ.

      • Naigrabzo on 08/09/2020 - 14:28

        It would be interesting to compare home fires in NZ vs in Australia. Then we should breakdown home fires due to negligent electrical work. Then we can see whether there is a real risk vs the Electricians guild making sure only they can install any wires anywhere to keep it expensive and 'exclusive'.

        If you have any engineering friends, I am pretty sure they can certify your work if you want to swap a socket out. Check though because otherwise you will be burnt to the cinders.

  • JPB928 on 08/09/2020 - 09:40

    Still $19.99??

    • jayboi on 08/09/2020 - 09:41
      +4

      use the COUPON CODE

  • harvestloon on 08/09/2020 - 09:40

    How easy is it to install something like this?

    • Muzeeb on 08/09/2020 - 09:42
      -1

      Very

    • ezym0ney6 on 08/09/2020 - 09:42

      if you know what you're doing..

    • Arnor on 08/09/2020 - 09:42
      +11

      If you have to ask dont do it! Get an electrician.

  • mt2000 on 08/09/2020 - 09:44
    +2

    What the point in these build in USB ports where it not fast charge and the USB is always on which wasted Constance power?

    • bdl on 08/09/2020 - 09:47
      +6

      Some one set us up the bomb.

    • RubenM on 08/09/2020 - 09:49
      +3

      Many people (myself included) don't care about fast charge too much.
      You also realise that it will only draw the power if a USB device is plugged in, right? Depending on how it's set up, there's likely a small constant load, but that's likely insignificant.

      • eug on 08/09/2020 - 10:16
        +7

        Many people (myself included) don't care about fast charge too much.

        The charger I use for my overnight phone charging isn't fast-charge as there is no point since I'm not waiting for it to recharge.

        Fast-charging all the time may reduce the lifespan of the battery too.

        • HaiG on 08/09/2020 - 10:55

          Exactly what I'm gonna use it for: overnight phone charge, and also use it in the bathroom for charging usb-powered devices, such as the Foreo

        • Agret on 08/09/2020 - 11:31

          Fast-charging all the time may reduce the lifespan of the battery too.

          That's why your phone will charge the first 50% (varies on device) really fast and then after that it begins to slow down, they design them with this in mind.

          • eug on 08/09/2020 - 12:17
            +2

            @Agret:

            That's why your phone will charge the first 50% (varies on device) really fast and then after that it begins to slow down, they design them with this in mind.

            That is actually just how litihium ion batteries work. The first part of the charging cycle (even for slow charging) is a constant current charge where the cell is able to accept a large amount of charge. Once the voltage hits 4.2V the charger must switch to constant voltage mode to give a saturation charge. Fast chargers can supply more current in the first phase which will let it reach e.g. 50% more quickly, but would result in a slower saturation charge.

            The concern is that since the charging circuit and the cell itself isn't 100% efficient, the more power you put in, the more waste heat will be generated. Heat degrades cells which could shorten the lifespan of the battery. It may not be by much so I don't mind using it, but the degradation might still be happening.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2020 - 10:37
      +1

      Amazing to plug your phone into the wall to charge overnight without a dumb (and ugly) wall charger taking up a space.

      Don't need fast charge to charge overnight.

      Lots of people's phones don't even have fast charge.

  • dogzilla on 08/09/2020 - 09:50
    +1

    Cheap vs the Bunnings ones at $40 but Amazon reviews say mounting screws are thicker. When you get your electrician (cough cough) to install it, just keep the screws from the one you are taking out. Sounds like it will make the job a lot easier and quicker.

    Also 2.1A total for both ports…but hey, i dont think people use these for fast charge, more convenience.

    • xuqi on 08/09/2020 - 10:06

      Ensure your electrician switches the mains power (not just the circuit) off, for maximum adherence to safety. :)

        • eug on 08/09/2020 - 10:17
          +1

          Hm? Are you saying electricians always swap power points without turning off power to the circuit first?

          Sure, some do. But should they?

          • bargaino on 08/09/2020 - 11:19

            @eug: Electricians always disconnect the circuit — when I am watching.
            What they do when nobody sees is another question.

            • eug on 08/09/2020 - 11:22

              @bargaino:

              Electricians always disconnect the circuit — when I am watching.
              What they do when nobody sees is another question.

              They paid good money for that VDE screwdriver after all! ;)

          • tomfool on 08/09/2020 - 13:36

            @eug: Only the good ones do. I had some work done recently and the one we used basically checked the safety switch by earthing the power to that point so he did not need to do the entire house. He also still checked with his beeping electricity finder thing. He must like living.

            • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 14:10

              @tomfool: From what you describe, he sounds more like a newbie than an experienced electrician.

              • tomfool on 09/09/2020 - 11:22

                @dcash: No mate reputable company with a good safety history, a good mate of mine in fact been a sparky for many many years. Has over 40 sparkys working for him, if you encourage safety you are less likely to have any sever incidents. I actually work for a very large multinational electrical company, they are very safety focused. There was an incident where a experienced employee was working on a piece of equipment and did not check it was discharged, lost his finger and could have been worse could easily have lost his life.

                60 seconds of turning of the circuit and checking for live feed is just common sense.

                • dcash on 09/09/2020 - 12:11
                  -2

                  @tomfool: Obviously if you're the boss of the company, you have to promote safety to your employees. If you didn't, you'd be held liable if they did something wrong. That, is common sense. Unnecessarily switching off circuits and thereby requiring people to shut down computers and whatever else might be on the circuit is a bigger PITA than the 60 seconds you refer to, and nothing to do with common sense. You're not working on the Chernobyl reactor, it's a simple powerpoint for crying out loud! No offense, but if you can't do it live, then you've probably picked the wrong trade! Try plumbing.

          • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 14:19

            @eug: Why not? If they're not confident enough to unscrew a few wires and screw them back in again, I'd hardly be trusting them with the job in the first place.

            • eug on 08/09/2020 - 17:21

              @dcash:

              Why not? If they're not confident enough to unscrew a few wires and screw them back in again, I'd hardly be trusting them with the job in the first place.

              The thing about accidents is that people don't plan to have them.

              • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 17:36

                @eug: When was the last time somebody died from replacing a powerpoint while the circuit was still live?

                • eug on 08/09/2020 - 17:51

                  @dcash:

                  When was the last time somebody died from replacing a powerpoint while the circuit was still live?

                  Could have been 20 minutes ago. I don't think such specific stats are available. But just because you don't know of any cases doesn't mean it has never happened to anyone. The world is a large place.

                  Turning off the power to a circuit is so easy to do, there's no reason not to do it apart from sheer laziness.

                  • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 18:08

                    @eug: It's effectively just additional O&H nonsense, like using ropes to secure ladders and harnesses while working on roofs, and so forth. Just wrap yourself in cotton wool and never go outside if you're so scared of everything.

                    • eug on 08/09/2020 - 18:35
                      +2

                      @dcash: You seem adamant on working on live circuits, just like how some people are adamant about not wearing a seat belt. They're not planning on driving into a tree after all, so why bother right? :)

                      Anyway, as they say, "you do you". Hopefully nothing happens that will cause any regret.

        • RubenM on 08/09/2020 - 10:20
          +6

          Exactly, and if you don't have enough light to see what you're doing, you can just hold the red and black wires together and you'll get a nice flash of light.

          • Crankyted on 08/09/2020 - 10:28
            +1

            @RubenM: I highly recommend that you DON'T do this - you would need to hold the wires together far too long for the light to be of any use - I'd suggest a nice soy candle

            • eug on 08/09/2020 - 11:26

              @Crankyted:

              I highly recommend that you DON'T do this - you would need to hold the wires together far too long for the light to be of any use - I'd suggest a nice soy candle

              Soy candles could start a fire. You could stick the bare wires into a pickle instead.

          • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 14:22

            @RubenM: They haven't been red and black for donkeys years.

        • DoyA on 08/09/2020 - 10:28

          Then it would be "safer" to get someone watching your electrician, who could knock the electrician off if he get stuck…..

        • SteveAndBelle on 08/09/2020 - 10:31

          Erm, huh dcash? That stance is 'Natural Selection' at its finest!

          • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 14:18

            @SteveAndBelle: It's 240v AC, and it gives you a little tingle not much more exciting than a zap of static electricity. Plus generally once you've been zapped a few times, you eventually get a bit more careful. Turning off the power (and having to reset clocks and suchlike) takes far more time than doing the actual job. I may end up going before my time, but it sure as hell won't be from touching the occasional exposed wire. And for reference, I've never zapped myself changing a powerpoint — almost? always from working on live appliances. Plus if you have ELCBs, if you make a mistake you wouldn't even feel it at all.

            • SteveAndBelle on 08/09/2020 - 14:31
              +2

              @dcash: Yes mate. I work on/within mains rated gear most days but your earlier advice and the general attitude in the response above just shows complete ignorance of the potential dangers. Your blatant earlier advice proves you wouldn't even bother checking if the circuit even has a modern EL breaker… not that they should be relied on anyway!

              • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 14:58

                @SteveAndBelle: Of course I wouldn't check. Why waste time going to the fuse box to check for something that has no bearing on what I'm going to do anyway. If I'm not going to touch exposed wires or short them out, what difference does it make?

                • SteveAndBelle on 08/09/2020 - 15:02
                  +1

                  @dcash: Fair enough :) I must just be far more risk averse. I'm fine being a 'nobody' then :)

                • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 15:07

                  @dcash: If making a mistake was really going to mean the difference between life or death, obviously I'd isolate the circuit. But if the toss up is between wasting 5 minutes turning it off (and resetting clocks etc), or the very minute chance I'll get a small shock from being careless, I'll go with the latter. But hey, that's just me.

                • eug on 08/09/2020 - 17:40

                  @dcash:

                  Of course I wouldn't check. Why waste time going to the fuse box to check for something that has no bearing on what I'm going to do anyway. If I'm not going to touch exposed wires or short them out, what difference does it make?

                  Just curious, if wearing seat belts (or a motorcycle helmet) wasn't a legal requirement, would you still wear them when you drive or ride?

              • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 15:02

                @SteveAndBelle: And no, I have a very healthy respect for the potential dangers, which is precisely why I'm more than comfortable wiring in a powerpoint live. If you understand your own limitations, then I'm happy for you. But please don't confuse your limitations with those of others.

            • bargaino on 08/09/2020 - 19:16
              +3

              @dcash: Yes, it is true that accidentally touching the live wire will normally only give a zap akin to static. You do have a legitimate point.
              But if you do it enough, one day from momentary carelessness, you (or someone you advised) will have the other hand on earth or neutral, and a very bad day is possible.

              Calling an electrician is a major expense and inconvenience, but isolating the circuit is not. I've worked on live circuits, but only when I had to.
              Changing a light fitting is another matter. You have the double protection of the wall switch and the RCD, so I've not always bothered to disconnect at the meter box for that.

              • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 19:57

                @bargaino: In my youth I made the mistake of working on an amplifier that I had forgotten was plugged in, had one hand on the metal (grounded) case and the other poking around the terminals of the mains switch inside the amp. On this particular day the shock caused the muscles in my right hand to contract and I literally couldn't remove it from the terminals, but was able to remove the grounded hand and use it to remove the other hand, which was still conducting through my body and out my feet. Some might argue my brain was fried that day, but I personally believe that happened decades later when working on a switched mode power supply, and experiencing close to 200V DC. I'm not sure whether I or the power supply received the bigger shock, but we both lived to tell the tale, so it's all good. RCDs have, of course, removed such fun (though to be sure, I wouldn't trust my life on one). These days I'm a little more careful, but turning off the power to change a powerpoint? Nah.

                The worst thing about light fittings is that it's easy to have the earth and neutral touch when you're pulling the wires through the fitting, and tripping the blasted RCD. Luckily no clocks or computers or suchlike on the light circuit, so it's minimal time wasted. Having to answer to the missus who suddenly finds herself taking a shower in the dark.. well.. that's a different story.

                • bargaino on 08/09/2020 - 20:43

                  @dcash:

                  easy to have the earth and neutral touch when you're pulling the wires through the fitting, and tripping the blasted RCD.

                  Yes, that gets tired fast. They really should make the switches on RCDs (or RCBO) dual-pole, to stop this annoyance.
                  It would only add a few cents to the manufacturing cost.
                  Or is there some safety reason for not doing it?

                  the shock caused the muscles in my right hand to contract and I literally couldn't remove it from the terminals,

                  You do realise that this sort of accident can result in heart failure? Not something to take lightly. Just isolate the circuit.

                  • dcash on 08/09/2020 - 23:01

                    @bargaino:

                    Yes, that gets tired fast. They really should make the switches on RCDs (or RCBO) dual-pole, to stop this annoyance.
                    Or is there some safety reason for not doing it?

                    I don't think there's any way around it, as it's just because the RCD is measuring current return through the neutral, which ideally would be nothing (and not trip the RCD) if you had all other lights on the circuit off at the time. However, even with everything off, I suspect it still might be sufficient to trip due to small leakage (not to earth).

                    You do realise that this sort of accident can result in heart failure? Not something to take lightly. Just isolate the circuit.

                    Which is precisely why I make it a point these days not to hold on to something that is earthed when working on live circuits. And more recently I've even been known to use an insulated screwdriver — on occasion!

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