Mains Electricity Dangers

[Tootech]

Got a bit of a dilema, I have a friend that has run mains power to his shed about 50 foot from his house. He uses computers, a heater and lights, including an all night storm light.

 

He uses two extension leads joined together plugged into a normal house socket via a plug in RCD breaker.

 

The extension join isn't waterproof and lays in the wet grass, wet through with steel panels over the top.

 

I think its the most unsafe piece of engineering ever - he doesn't. I think it should be removed considering there are kids and animals around at his house - he doesn't.

 

I would love some feedback for or against my view - please all you FPCHelpers.

 

Here's the pics.

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[Tootech]

And The Other Pic

 

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So what do you think - is it safe?

[Tootech]

Hmm, pics didn't show up in the first post

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[Match]

into a normal house socket via a plug in RCD breaker.

 

So what do you think - is it safe?

 

Theoretically yes, especially if the house wiring is fairly modern and the house sockets are protected by a BS standard circuit breaker as well.

 

is it sensible NO

is it legal Yes ironically as it is a plugged in extension, and not Hardwired to a mains circuit.

is there a high risk of a short Yes

is there a high risk of damaging any electronics connected to this extension Yes

 

personally I would get a high Visibility garden extension with the correct waterproof plugs and sockets, works out a lot cheaper than a new computer.

[RandyL]

I can only comment on US laws.

 

You can plug in anything anywhere but that doesn't make it safe.

 

Hopefully the breakers would kick it out on time but likely not as an animal form might get a huge jolt first.

 

If it's a dog that's killed then the owner would be held liable for the value of the pet.

 

If it's a person then the owner could be held criminally responsible. After that it's a matter for the lawyers as to what laws apply.

 

Either way why risk years in jail or huge civil suits.

 

I would plug in low volt christmas lights as such but the tiny amp fuse doesn't allow much current.

 

He risks huge costs unrelated to electrical components.

 

Ask him to stick a fork in a socket. He will have his answer.

 

Whether I'm right or wrong doesn't matter. Why risk it.

 

Unsafe? Yes. No way in my back yard. I don't want to kill my grandson.

 

Stupid. Yes.

 

Whether I'm right or wrong I wouldn't risk it.

[Tootech]

Ask him to stick a fork in a socket

 

Lol, don't think I would want to see the remains.

 

Bottom line for me is "why risk it", there is no need.

 

I wish an electrician would have a look!!

 

BTW - Happy New Year to all Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help'ers

[KenB]

This is an accident waiting to happen.

 

Tell your friend, if he wants to run a cable to the shed, to buy some conduit pipe and run the cable through that. Build a waterproof box that locks for the plug and socket.

I would suggest that this is a minimum.

If he is doing the job properly then it should be armoured cable.

 

Having pointed out the error of his ways your conscience should be clear.

[Plastic Nev]

If I was still working in that side of the industry, and even though not now, I would still give him the biggest r*****king of his life if I knew him.

 

There is the risk of electrocution yes, there is the risk of burn out because he is using high current heaters in there yes, and considering the socket and plug just lying on damp grass, I doubt the so called plug in RCD is working, it should have tripped out already.

As Ken said it should be a proper installation, done by a qualified electrician if he wants to have power to his shed.

 

Even if it was of a very temporary nature it should be one continuous length of cable from one end to the other and certainly not jointed in the middle by a plug and socket lying in wet grass.

 

Randy has already outlined the legal aspect should any one or any animal get hurt.

 

Nev.

[Tootech]

Thankyou all for your replies. It pretty much sums up my thoughts and my frustrations when I saw it.

 

As you all said, there is no need and I hope my friend will deal with it before something happens.

 

Thanks again......:)

[Match]

Shame he's not a neighbour, you could jump the fence add a three way socket, plug in a long extension and pinch his Electric, lol then with the money you save you would be able to afford psychiatric help for your death wish :)

[Plastic Nev]

Well I like the idea of stealing some of his electricity to heat my shed if I was his neighbour:D, but in reality it would be as dangerous for me to do that, so I don't think I will bother.