Search results

As we don't seem to have access to the standard (BS 2754) that specifies exactly how an appliance might meet the requirements, any criticism of it's construction is not much better than guesswork, really. The manufacturer (Aurora) have stated that they have constructed it to meet the...

Some opinions may have been revised...

I would debate as to if that qualifies as 'provision for earthing'. Nothing is being earthed.

But that's not the same as a provision being made for earthing. By 'earth going in', I would have thought it quite obvious that it is going in for a purpose. A Class II appliance wouldn't have that provision. With baited breath!

Well no. A lot of Class II fixed appliances might be connected via a 2-core cable to a junction box/FCU etc, so wouldn't have the CPC entering them. And I think we also need to make a distinction between if an earth terminal is provided inside a Class II appliance (specifically as opposed to...

Fixed appliances should be treated the same as plugged-in appliances for the purposes we've been discussing (if one is an electrician or 'PAT' tester, or maybe some of both). It's fixed wiring accessories where the problem seems to lie.

Well, we're back to that grey area again. The IEE CoP is really only relevant to appliances, not fixed wiring accessories. So our laptop charger seems to be more clear cut than say a ceiling rose that has an earth terminal that doesn't actually earth anything. We'll probably never arrive at...

Hence my comment about no further elaboration on the type of earthing. Their outlook seems to be if there's an earth going in, it's Class I.

Again, from the IEE CoP: Chapter 11.2, page 56 "Class II equipment may be insulation-encased or metal-encased. Insulation-encased Class II. Equipment having a durable and substantially continuous electrical enclosure of insulating material that envelopes all conductive parts with the...

Fair enough.

OK, after another trawl through the IEE CoP In-service I&T, I found this: Chapter 11.2 (Notes), page 60: "If an appliance with double insulation or reinforced insulation throughout has provision for earthing, it is to be considered to be a Class I or Class 0I appliance." Note: no further...

So, a brief summary: John W2: you seem to think that only completely insulated items can be Class II. Anything with metal on it automatically becomes Class I. EFLImpudence: you seem to think that only items that have some metal on, but are double or reinforced insulated, can be Class II...

Agreed. Good example.

Well, there's the rub. Not really Class I, not really Class II. Maybe the standards need updating? No, not assuming that at all. However, in EFLImpudence's case, the posited lack of a cpc, and the double-square mark would be pretty hard to argue against.

But your view seems to be fairly irrelevant, as it doesn't seem to agree with the definitions in the standards that the manufacturers are working to. If they build an appliance, fully encased in plastic or wood(!), and they ensure that there is double or reinforced insulation between the live...

No, not at all. If those exposed-conductive parts are separated from live parts by basic insulation, and connected to the cpc, then it's Class I. If those exposed-conductive-parts are separated from live parts by double or reinforced insulation, then it's Class II. I fail to see the...

So your laptop charger probably has an IEC C14 or C6 inlet (or some other comparable connector)? So it probably uses the earth for functional purposes. Which is why it can't be classified as Class II. The camera wallwart charger maybe has an ISOD (Insulated Shutter Opening Device - aka a...

True, it doesn't require it, but it does include it. The connector that plugs into the laptop?

I seem to be coming at this from an appliance-based viewpoint, whereas you from accessory-based. There are many items that I've experienced that are fully metal encased, but are still Class II (Yamaha graphic equalizers, for one).

I reckon it does. Certainly for appliances. Anyone got a copy of BS 2754, so that can be checked?