Not sure if this has already been posted.
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/8276740.Ringer_mum_electrocuted_by_hedge_trimmer/
It's all a bit vague, but it reads as if the cable was extended with the plugs connected in reverse (exposed metal plug pins on the supply side and socket on the appliance side). This would be a form of widow maker? That's really tragic especially as it's plausible that you would not be able to see that it's wired in reverse until you actually separate it – and it’s live when you do that…
Aside from the incorrect wiring, being barefoot would not help. Leaving aside the obvious dangers of using electrical tools outside, who use something like a hedge trimmer without shoes on - I mean what if you drop it? Then again, I've seen plenty of people who continue to cut the grass with electric mowers when it starts to rain, pointless risk taking.
I'm surprised that her son did not receive an electric shock. Makes you wonder if the supply overloaded and tripped or blew a fuse or if it was still live but he did not come into contact with it. Very sad that three young children will be without a mother because of a bit of dodgy wiring.
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/8276740.Ringer_mum_electrocuted_by_hedge_trimmer/
It's all a bit vague, but it reads as if the cable was extended with the plugs connected in reverse (exposed metal plug pins on the supply side and socket on the appliance side). This would be a form of widow maker? That's really tragic especially as it's plausible that you would not be able to see that it's wired in reverse until you actually separate it – and it’s live when you do that…
Aside from the incorrect wiring, being barefoot would not help. Leaving aside the obvious dangers of using electrical tools outside, who use something like a hedge trimmer without shoes on - I mean what if you drop it? Then again, I've seen plenty of people who continue to cut the grass with electric mowers when it starts to rain, pointless risk taking.
I'm surprised that her son did not receive an electric shock. Makes you wonder if the supply overloaded and tripped or blew a fuse or if it was still live but he did not come into contact with it. Very sad that three young children will be without a mother because of a bit of dodgy wiring.