Overheated extension reel

[cwhaley]

This is the sort of stuff that should be taught in schools. There might be warning labels on extension cables but they usually assume some basic understanding of amps, watts etc. that not everyone has.

I think it is taught in schools. I remember being taught in physics how to wire a plug (not sure why it was covered, but it was part of the curriculum for that subject). Our old teacher Mr. Hunt also told us (and explained very well as I remember) about the difference between amps/currents and volts, the functions of fuses and why wires are rated for different currents. This was secondary school between 2001 to 2006 -- I can't imagine it's changed much. As with most things taught at school, however -- most of it isn't retained!

I genuinely think 'home economics' should be re-taught. The value of teaching life basics at a universal level must be very high.

I will agree with @johnny2007 though, the instructions could be more prominent. My reel has a thermal cutout, but the warning about un-wound / wound ratings is moulded into black plastic on the rear of the unit.

 

[Chainsawcharlie]

You just made a capacitor

 

[Ragnar_AT]

You just made a capacitor

In theory yes, I'd assume the capacitance is negligible though. The most important factor is the resistance of the wire and the lack of heat dissipation if the flex is wound tightly onto the reel.