9 Way Extension Lead Adaptor

[@dantovey2785]

Pleasantly surprised

[@dancoster7332]

I'm just wondering, have you seen them 3 way extension leads at poundland it would be good to see them safety tested.

[@Bodragon]

(6:14) - John, That "PS" has been scrawled on the factory mould, not the plastic itself. The mould can be used with all varieties of plastic, this is why it isn't "machine printed" like all the compliance info on the other side. Only when they have decided what type of plastic to use to they update the mould with the "scrawl". >

[@tookitogo]

Hi JW! Instead of deliberate un-repairability, doesn't it seem plausible that safety is the reason for using security screws on power strips? Here in Switzerland (which uses its own unique earthed plug, not the German style in this video), every power strip I've got uses security screws of some sort. I always assumed it was to keep curious kids from taking them apart. Not that I would know anything about being a curious kid... 0:)

[@jwflame]

Antonio Tejada Certainly possible, although most of the security fasteners have cheap matching screwdrivers available for them. Some of the very cheap UK power strips don't have screws at all, but are welded/glued together permanently.

[@Satchmoeddie]

***** Those are sonically welded, JW. As a guitar amp builder/technician, I am aware of the Swiss plugs, UK, Shucko, various US antiquated NEMA designs, Japanese/Fiji Islands, India (old UK) and other mains outlets and plugs. The best method for attaching mains cords and wiring to terminals, I have seen is crimped and sonically welded onto the terminal point. The copper is literally molten and fused right to the terminal. You won't find items like that in the bargain bin for £2.00. Love that Hammond JW! Not too keen on schlepping them around the shop, but I also repair those too.

[@tookitogo]

***** Sure, security drivers are available and may not cost much, but they're not the kind of thing kids generally have access to. I have also seen the screwless versions. But where's the fun in those? :)

[@Deebz270]

Still a totally pointless endeavour. Again another example of gov't regulations and/or manufacturing paranoia.... As a smallish boy, I was always taking apart mains stuff... I'm still here... Because I had a brain, back then and last time I checked, it is still in residence. Kettles are the usual example of where 'security screws' are fitted. Highly annoying, when one is prevented from attempting repairs. Just another example of the 'consumer paradigm' - No repairs, *just buy a new one...*

[@alerighi]

I hate these power strips that uses these kind of screws, if you need to replace the power lead (because it's damaged, you need a longer one, you need to pass the cable into a hole where the plug doesn't fit, etc) you practically can't, and you are obliged of buying a power strip with no cable attached and then the cable and then the plug separately (that often is more expensive than a buying a cheap power strip and replace the cable)

[@SuperNadger]

Great video, John as always. However., how about making one with you playing the Hammond organ in the background. We would love to hear you play!

[@ponderingturtle2720]

The ground contacts are likely phosphor bronze. More springy than brass

[@HisnameisRich]

Those triangle headed screws are the same type used in toasters, you can undo them with a small flat bladed screwdriver without too much trouble.

[@jhbur558]

I’ve seen French sockets in a hotel here in the UK, is that legal?

[@jwflame]

Yes.

[@pjeaton58]

provided they are properly protected by 16A MCB and not on a 30A ring!!!!!!

[@mrloy99]

+pjeaton58 don't we use 13amp sockets on a ring?(penny sinks in ahh but there are fuses in our plugtops)

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool, thanks. Are those two ground on the top and bottom of the plug? You could try the game bit technique by heating a pen head. without the ink cartridge (usually the old BIC design) then heating it for 6 second and then pressing it, into the security screw.

[@LarsTechTipsDe]

What would be a good Ohm range for extension cords?

[@jwflame]

+Lars Reviews Depends on length, but certainly less than 1 ohm, typically under 0.5 ohm for each conductor.

[@Marcel_Germann]

German VDE regulations specify the resistance of the PE (extension and connector cables), it must have less than 0,3 Ohm. The special regulation for this is VDE regulations number 701/702 (or 751 for hospitals with different threshold values than 701/702). In companies this and insulation resistance must be tested frequently with a portable appliance tester like the Fluke 6500 for example.

[@1peter1180]

these days you can get any screwdriver set for any security screw

[@michaellack5139]

what was the rating of the switch..

[@Bodragon]

That "PS" was more likely scored by hand into the mould, rather than the plastic box itself.

[@drEmulatorMadmax]

hi john do you think this would be better than those cheap Chinese euro/us adaptors that you said were rubbish?

[@ChrisTheSparky]

It'd be really amusing if you opened the cardboard box to find Gwyneth Paltrow's head inside.

[@jaakkooksa5374]

Looks excellent to me.

[@b-h-t]

As far as I know normal screw heads would not meet the requirements for the certifications needed for this sockets here in Germany. But I'm not sure with that.

[@ajuk1]

I'm surprised you don't have a security bit set.

[@jwflame]

+ajuk1 Have several sets - none of which contained the triangular thing used on this item.

[@FoodOnCrack]

+ajuk1 looks like everytime people get their hands on security bits they are no longer security bits so they start developing new ones... And then the story starts all over again.

[@MrSwanley]

+John Ward I assume you're referring to triwing screws, i.e. like Phillips but a 3-way slot instead of a cross. These types of screws seem to be quite fashionable at the moment. E.g. if you search on Amazon you find them triwing screwdrivers listed as part of iPhone or Playstation repair kits. The trick is getting a screwdriver that's the right size (fits the screwhead) and with a shank and fits down the deep holes like the ones seen in this video. Most of the listings are not very specific on dimensions or standards.

[@petermichaelgreen]

I've also seen screws with a triangular hole. If you are lucky you can sometimes get them out with an allen key but if they are tight then the allen key just slips.

[@petermichaelgreen]

BTW i'm not a great fan of brenstuhl's UK products. They clearly decided to reuse mouldings from the European products resulting in socket faces that have a fairly flimsy attatchement to the body of the strip (I managed to break them off and had to glue them back on on one of my leads, admittedly I was abusing the lead by forcing europlugs in but even so)

[@elmin2323]

You should follow the EEVBLOG channel! Keep these tear downs coming

[@PeterEdin]

I couldn't quite read the back, is it made in Germany or is it "Made in China"?

[@mattwragg6966]

the one i have got is made in germany

[@begeles2000]

actually @3:35 you say that both plugs have the same spacing, that is not correct. The schuko plug wont fit on the smaller ones because the smaller ones requiere to have insulation on the pins. You cannot plug a Shuko plug on a two pin plug. more info here: www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/c/ and here www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/f/

[@JohnDoe-qx3zs]

But you can plug the 2 pin europlug into the full Schuko sockets, so the spacing is the same, and the shutter modules on the inside (white with red shutters) might be the same too.

[@chaos.corner]

Thanks, you just answered a question I had.

[@DB-47]

@John Doe The holes for two pin plugs are smaller on this power strip, so you can't plug in CEE 7/4, 7/6, 7/7 (earthed european two pin + ground) and 7/17 ("contour two pin plug"), only europlug CEE 7/16 fits into those two pin sockets on this power strip. The reason, why europlug fits fine into Schuko, French type or even obsolete unearthed european socket is becuase europlug pins are slightly bent to themselves. This makes stronger connection of europlugs in full size sockets in spite of greater holes. I have one faulty europlug, that has straight pins not bent as they should be and if I try to connect them into full size French socket, they do not hold, connection is even weaker, than type A american plug :D

[@TheChipmunk2008]

Polystyrene is a less than optimal choice for electrical stuff, VERY flammable and quite brittle

[@Satchmoeddie]

***** Not to mention the toxicity of the smoke it will produce, and the fact that styrene will deteriorate with age. Larger non-residential buildings in the USA cannot utilize electrical conduits that produce certain toxic smoke in a fire. What people plug into it later is not well regulated. We try, but lots of crap still gets in, usually from China.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

+simontay1984 6:12 says polystyrene?

[@sadoldgeorge]

+TheChipmunk2008 Where?

[@TheChipmunk2008]

+sadoldgeorge In the video

[@sadoldgeorge]

***** Just because the platic moulding had PS on it means nothing. Looked like ABS to me.

[@PerMejdal]

I have bought a few of these extension cords when I visited Germany. The quality is quite good. But I had to sped 30 mins to open it, to attach a longer cable. If somebody know of a tool that is design to open these. Then please reply to this post.

[@999skipper]

I bought a set of screwdriver bits from ebay which had all sorts of security screw configurations. The only problem is when the security screws are deeply recessed and require a longer bit.

[@paulstewart3216]

999skipper Yep - when they really don't want you in there. I ended up cutting a slot into the hex end of the security bit with a Dremel disc and drove it with a long flat-blade screwdriver. The satisfaction washed over me in an awesome wave. What's more, the bit still works as designed.

[@nfsking2000]

What's sender's name?

[@jwflame]

As shown in the video, and if it's not shown then it's not available.

[@owenmason4925]

Did he show his address

[@mikethompson7296]

Magnet of justice 😂

[@hamjazz]

Thoise screws are called " Tri-wing".

[@zwz.zdenek]

The input cable is a waster - it has L and N swapped! The blue wire you tested goes to the Live pin! That won't matter in Germany, but in the countries where the earth is a pin instead of the two metal strips, this will make a difference.

[@stefanscholz2509]

+zwz • zdenek Does it really matter? Which pin is "Live", which pin is "Neutral? I use these earth pin variant in my house, just for the purpose of polarity. I prefer it over the side contact Schuko, and both are legal in continental EuropeBut most outlets are double outlets with the center pin pointing to the middle. So just one is correct, the other reverse. And these double outlets are standard, which is a plus, as angled plugs fit in on any outlet. Of course, in some countries (Cz) the orientation is always "up", and polarity therefore given (some contries seem to have L - N arrangements, others N - L arragements). So, which is L or N? The 2 pole switch is the most important factor in this case.

[@jondonnelly3]

uk should really bring in a tiny 3amp plug with a equality tiny fuse, something like a larger usb socket. 13amps are bulky and overkill for most things.

[@daveissound]

Enjoy your video's

[@DB-47]

I noticed one thing, in czech translation of product description is mentioned "pro 3 zástračky s uzemňovacím kolíkem", that means "For three plugs with grounding pin (Type E CEE 7/6 or CEE 7/7)". In Czech republic we have type E (CEE 7/5 sockets), so there would be problem with some CEE 7/4 plugs, that are missing side contacts for Schuko sockets

[@okaro6595]

Polarity does not matter.

[@Sloyment]

CEE 7/6 (aka type E) plugs do not fit into CEE 7/3 (aka type F) sockets. I don’t see where the packaging claims otherwise.

[@Mtaalas]

About those safety screws... in many countries they're a requirement as far as I know. It discourages people, who have no idea what they're doing, from opening it and tampering with it with the risk of their lives. :)

[@andyblackpool]

I agree with Bizup (below) Gwineth Paltrow's severed head in the box would have been much more interesting

[@elviscss4122]

Top

[@christastic100]

like the T shirt

[@Jobjoossen]

I frealy dont see the issue here, cable is decent (real 1,5mm2) desnen pacaging , bi-polar switch, decent contact points on the switch. You keep on complaining on the non standard screws, witch for me is only a plus, so by 5 year old with a philips cant open it up. I 'm not that hardcore and I have those bits and even withouth those bits yo can open it without drilling out the screws you are jst looking for issue that are not there. A pointer is that it is EC compliant...

[@gurriato]

Job Joossen After watching a few of his videos, it seems to me that being overly negative about everything is his schtick.

[@cremationpete]

+sacrisesma I think old JW likes to give himself an air of superiority by condemning practically everything as unsafe, substandard or useless.

[@Deebz270]

All four of you are full of yourselves and total grannies.... The point is, that much of this stuff that JW 'tearsdown' is especially sub-standard, cheap and nasty crap, that typical consumers like yourselves condone. . Like I said above *Job Joossen Meyvis* - Security screws are a pain in the arse. And as for kids opening stuff... It is always better to *EDUCATE* kids at an early age, as to the dangerous properties of AC mains supplies. By the time I was five, I knew where NOT to poke my fingers ... Or screwdrivers... At the age of 10, I warned my (stupid) step-father, not to poke his screwdriver in and around the chassis of a mains powered valve radio he was attempting to repair... Certainly *not* whilst energised with mains supply. I warned him that those big aluminium cans (capacitors) held a large charge and should not be touched whilst the unit was switched on... Five minutes later there was a large bang and an accompanying flash and, a miniature mushroom cloud hung over the dining room table... He then chucked the entire gubbins into the bin... He was totally pissed off with me (no surprise there, given his ego...), as he'd been warned *not* to do something by a ten year old kid... *EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION.*

[@sadoldgeorge]

"Soldering has no mechanical strength" Does that mean that EVERY applience sold in the world with soldered joints is UNSAFE ?? Also I noticed you didnt do an insuation test ..... Basic thing to do FIRST?

[@jwflame]

+sadoldgeorge Solder isn't unsafe, but joints should have a mechanical component as well, such as wires twisted together or wire through a hole in a flat bar and folded underneath. Solder is weak material and if two wires or other components are just placed together and held with solder only the joint can fail.

[@MrSonyCity]

+John Ward I remember Mighty Car Mods doing a video on soldering and they mentioned how NASA did a test on two wires soldered side by side and when tested, the point of failure was not the joint. Would this apply as a argument against your point or is the mechanics involved different if considering a physical pin soldered to a wire vs a wire spliced/joined to another wire? Many thanks and interesting video.

[@sadoldgeorge]

***** But the cables would appear to be through the holes on the switch??

[@ccleake1]

Solder is for circuit boards. It's fine but it's just as easy to use crimps, which are more beefy.

[@ccleake1]

+AshD93 MCM aren't electrical engineers, they're two blokes who like cars. You really think NASA would spend time studying how strong soldering is? They have a lot better things to do with their time.

[@OldLordSpeedy]

What do you pay for a multiple socket unit in your normal market as customer? This product self is maked in the public republic of china for a big company named Rossmann here in Germany with the german regulary laws - so should have plastic save for can not stick in things in the holes, 2-way-Switch, the minimum of 1.5 qmm cable, Safe connector (the hole is for save earth pins how come out of the wall - some EU countries have this), the minimum of 50 cm cord (so that nothing hang at the power socket), plastic cover, do not can open easy for customers. So this product is cheap but safety! No big company can allow herself to sell shit products e.g. Aldi, Lidl, Penny, Real, specially it have to do with electric! Sure, I use here a brennenstuhl brand multicord with 9 outlets for good 70 €.

[@petermichaelgreen]

Here in the UK a basic unswitched, fairly flimsy 4-way block can be picked up for about £5 . Fancy stuff can cost considerablly more. 70E seems rather high even for brennstuhl stuff.

[@brianperrett3201]

but you have to pay for the name!

[@pssst3]

Price tells you nothing if the workforce is slaves. and the company is state owned.

[@Killerspieler0815]

That thing is OK But, you can not replace the cable (with a longer one) or temporary unmount it for installation ... or recycle a cable with plug found in the country of destination as a save travel adapter

[@grahamturner6119]

Multi way adapters And 2 and 3 adaptors banned im my house

[@Wichtelchen2006]

Das ist 100% Rossmann-Scheiße! -.- I had one of these and after time, the little resistor from the indicator lamp melted through the switch lever to the outside. It was still attached to live wire and easily touchable -_________-. It happened because it was wired by a spring and it became hot enough to melt the plastic. Similar happened to a hair dryer from the same supermarket.

[@Arckivio]

There's nothing to hold the contacts in place..............................except the giant piece of back plastic that's held in with 4 security screws?????? I seem to be watching this bloke just so he can do my brain in!!!!! & how is the neutral going to squash onto the neutral under it if there's nothing there to squash it down????

[@riklowe]

Would like to have seen the plug removed at the end to prevent anyone accidentally plugging the item in after you cut the internal wires. Otherwise another great video.

[@masterofx32]

I bet you can't sleep at night from the uncertainty what happened to this extension adaptor. I think you can just trust him to properly dispose the stuff without anyone getting killed.

[@beardyface8492]

You can take nanny state safety policing too far you know. First: You'd have significant difficulty finding an outlet suitable to plug that into in the UK to kill yourself. Second: You're left with the same issue, you have a moulded plug with live ends exposed, merely cutting the cord achieves nothing. If there were any danger in the UK of finding a euro outlet, the correct method would be to cut off one of the pins, not the plug.

[@fardellp]

A crimp is inferior to solder. Crimps are mechanical. They can work loose, corrode, begin to spark/arc which can become rapidly worse over time as the contact heats/cools.

[@toadyw950]

+diymostthings Years of industrial experience says otherwise. In industry properly done crimping is recognised as a high reliability jointing technique - certainly superior to solder.

[@Deebz270]

@@toadyw950 - Absolutely. I used to additionally solder crimp connections on bike wiring looms... I gave up doing so, when some of the looms failed, due to fatiguing of the soldered connectors. Solder is for electronic circuit boards, *not* mains distribution panells.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

No demonstration of the child safety though... tsk, tsk... :)