Background information
Quagga mussel problem: How to clean your SUP when changing waters
by Siri Schubert
Why does the contact protection on power strips jam so often?
27.4.2022
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Power strips make using multiple devices easier. However, the often installed contact protection is anything but simplistic. Is this really the best we can do?
«Sometimes it really just helps to carefully break the fuses (jam a point or slotted screwdriver in there and gently hammer on).»
or
«It’s probably the most blunt answer in this whole thread, but I just realised: brute force works! :)»
and
«Almost breaking your fingers every time you plug it in because it’s so tight can’t be what the inventor had in mind. In the meantime, I resorted to a radical solution and drilled through the annoying plates.»
You’ll hear many solutions on Internet forums, all surrounding power strips that are stuck due to contact protection. This isn’t what the inventor would’ve wanted. The mechanism was designed primarily to protect children from electrocution when curiously tinkering with the strips and screws. After all, the plastic plates can only be pushed to the side by applying equal pressure to both holes.
Wrong handling and Europlugs
According to Lectra Technik AG, Brennenstuhl’s sister company, contact protection per se isn’t the main problem. From a design point of view, it isn’t badly implemented and fulfils its purpose. However, it also has its disadvantages, such as difficult handling. The user frustration that often results from this, manifesting itself in violent connector plugging, is detrimental to contact protection. But the plugs themselves also cause trouble for the mechanism.
SN 441011 is the Swiss socket and plug standard. This includes the three-pole T12 plug and T13 socket – together also known as type J – and the two-pole T11 plug, which fits perfectly into three-pole sockets.
Any solutions?
Meanwhile, since a touch guard isn’t mandatory, many products omit it. This allows customers to decide for themselves whether increased safety or simplified handling is the priority. Power strips without plastic sliders are also safe, apparently. Touch protection additionally increases safety – especially for small children and pets.
Shortly thereafter, complaints from private customers regarding use of the touch guard also increased. It’s probably no coincidence that Europlug simultaneously became more and more widespread.
And what do countries such as Spain or France do, where touch protection is mandatory? In Spain, for example, the Schuko system is predominant, yet Euro plugs must also fit. Schuko plugs have an advantage. They’re larger, which simplifies mechanical implementation.
Whether users are satisfied with the solution cannot be said conclusively. At least in Germany, where the same conditions prevail, countless comments from frustrated buyers can be found. For all in this country who cannot cope with covers: from now on, buy power strips without them – we even have a filter for this – and give away the old ones to friends or anyone else.
But please don’t try to remove the plastic with a drill.
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
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