Electric Hedgecutter

[JackCole]

Hello, a bit of a green question here. My hedgecutter's cord was severed. And so bought one of those connecters that allows you to connect the severed wires safely. By feeding in the wires like you do in a plug. The connecter says it runs on 250 V and 5 amps. Where as the hedgecutter runs on 230v and 50 hz. It says nothing abount amps. Should the hedge cutter still work using this type of connector? because I've tried wiring it all together, and still no luck, I definitely connected it properly. Also, does the electricity on your average house socket, run on AC? Thanks in advance.

 

[Inky Pete]

Exactly what connector have you bought, is it one of these?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-orange-connector-2-pin/46232

If so, which way round have you connected it?

Connected the wrong way round these things are EXTREMELY dangerous!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I was going to ask why, then I realised you meant wrong gender not polarity...

I've tried wiring it all together, and still no luck, I definitely connected it properly.

I take it you've checked the fuse in the plug?

Photos of the wiring you've done inside the connectors would be useful.

Actually - what you should do is to replace the entire cable, and use 3-core. I know there'll be nowhere to connect the earth at the trimmer, but there will be at the plug, and that means you've got an almost certainty that the RCD will trip the next time you chew through it.

Also, does the electricity on your average house socket, run on AC?

• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/electricity.html
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/domesticinstallations.html
  
  

 

[Inky Pete]

Yep, I've seen them wired with their male end connected to the plug. Potentially lethal! Especially outdoors!!!!

 

[JackCole]

Thanks all, I will double check the fuse in the plug, didn't think of that. I don't need to give photos to get help, getting safe advice tomorrow. I will bear in mind the danger, I did use one of those safety plugs, where if something gets severed, it cuts out straight away. Thanks again.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Thanks all, I will double check the fuse in the plug, didn't think of that.

I did use one of those safety plugs, where if something gets severed, it cuts out straight away. Thanks again.

It won't with 2-core cable if neither gets connected to earth.

 

[JackCole]

"It won't with 2-core cable if neither gets connected to earth." Ok, I'll make sure it is. cheers

 

[Adam_151]

How do you plan on doing that?

 

[securespark]

I did use one of those safety plugs, where if something gets severed, it cuts out straight away. Thanks again.

It won't with 2-core cable if neither gets connected to earth.

I can vouch for the fact that it does when a connection to earth happens.

Years ago I cut the lawn with a mower plugged into an RCD adapter & ran over the flex. Stupidly, I picked it up, assuming the RCD had tripped.

It hadn't, but it certainly did when I grabbed the live end.....

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Years ago I cut the lawn with a mower plugged into an RCD adapter & ran over the flex.

I used to be able to do that. Never did though.

Got one similar to the white one at the back now - her name is Sally.