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G6Tanuki · 26th Jul 2021, 2:11 pm

I've had a couple of cases where moulded-on plugs fitted to power-tools and 'industrial' extension-leads have failed in the way you describe - it seems to be associated with one of the pins being subjected to a healthy whack against something solid which snaps the thin part of the pin where it's fixed firmly to the plug-body. The insulation on the pin-shaft is sufficiently flexible to deform a bit if the pin gets whacked, but the inner end/terminal is fixed more-firmly.

Brass is brittle!

For outdoor/industrial stuff I much prefer the nice blue 16/32A 'Commando' plugs/sockets. Much safer, though even they are fatally damaged if you inadvertently drive the car over one!

26th Jul 2021, 2:11 pm	#14
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 14,007	Re: Faulty mains plug? I've had a couple of cases where moulded-on plugs fitted to power-tools and 'industrial' extension-leads have failed in the way you describe - it seems to be associated with one of the pins being subjected to a healthy whack against something solid which snaps the thin part of the pin where it's fixed firmly to the plug-body. The insulation on the pin-shaft is sufficiently flexible to deform a bit if the pin gets whacked, but the inner end/terminal is fixed more-firmly. Brass is brittle! For outdoor/industrial stuff I much prefer the nice blue 16/32A 'Commando' plugs/sockets. Much safer, though even they are fatally damaged if you inadvertently drive the car over one!