The MK Safety plug
Discussion
Plugs are not the most interesting subjects and most people won't give them a second thought but I'm referring to this :
By my reckoning 30+ years old now and still a great plug. At one point it was used by Granada TV as their plug of choice admittedly with a Granada Logo on it (I still have 2 of those bad boy variants)as ell as every device in the kitchen having the standard MK safety plug attached to it
It might be pricey now but those secure screw down terminals and flexible cable clip makes it worthwhile
Thank you
By my reckoning 30+ years old now and still a great plug. At one point it was used by Granada TV as their plug of choice admittedly with a Granada Logo on it (I still have 2 of those bad boy variants)as ell as every device in the kitchen having the standard MK safety plug attached to it
It might be pricey now but those secure screw down terminals and flexible cable clip makes it worthwhile
Thank you
Alucidnation said:
The MK plugs are, in my opinion, crap, just like the rest of their product line up is nowadays.
Poor quality assembly and materials.
I have stockpiled a quantity of MK plugs that are from the early 90s. I currently have 18 but I also have just won a further 10 on e bay. These have been cut off appliances found in an older persons home. I don't mean that the older person will wake up and find that they were burgled in the night and someone stole their plugs . It looks like the older person has perhaps passed on or moved into a care home. The pictures in the description show a variety of flexes attached to them including some of the cloth type that were in use years ago. I am also led to believe that they contain a variety of different fuses. I am looking forward to removing and standardising the fuses with 13Amp variants. Obviously I will then install a 3 Amp or 5 Amp on a plug by plug basis.Poor quality assembly and materials.
It may well be that the quality has altered but when I see some of the rubbish being sold as plugs these days it fills me with considerable angst.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 7th December 10:00
thebraketester said:
They are referring to the internal wiring not the external pin length.
Here's a question for you. When wiring up a plug, do you guys remove the pins when connecting the wires and then replace them? Or do you leave the pins in the socket?
Riveting stuff.....
Very good question. I can see you are being a little humorous by the question and then the comment Rivetting stuff. Here's a question for you. When wiring up a plug, do you guys remove the pins when connecting the wires and then replace them? Or do you leave the pins in the socket?
Riveting stuff.....
Well as you know the pins are not removeable in the MK safety plug they are secured down (riveted in) you might say so it's not possible to remove them when wiring up the MK Safety Plug. This is not the case with other plugs as many do indeed allow the pins to be removed.
Personally I leave the pins in on other brands I do tend to unscrew the cord grip completely on one side and near complete on the other and then sort of lift it up and turn it at right angles to its normal position. Then once the important pin terminal connections have been made I rotate it back and screw it down. I also make sure that the earth terminal is screwed down even when it's not required.
Great thread, seriously. 
I'm a big fan of those MK plugs too, but I can't remember the last time I wired a plug
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=badly+wired+p...
I'm a big fan of those MK plugs too, but I can't remember the last time I wired a plug
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=badly+wired+p...
Brother D said:
I'm saying this while looking down at my wife's american hairdryer with the exposed live terminals. In the bathroom. Next to the sink.
Bro Ive been there had dark thoughts but its not worth it. Relationships work themselves out eventually, rigging an accident just ain't the way to deal with itWorth bearing in mind that the uk 13A plug is fused, the plug is fused because our wiring standard uses the ring main rated at 32A.
The european schuko plug and us plugs are not fused because the building wiring is different. Using plugs without fuses in uk buildings represents a very serious hazard to life and property plus a darwin award entry.
The european schuko plug and us plugs are not fused because the building wiring is different. Using plugs without fuses in uk buildings represents a very serious hazard to life and property plus a darwin award entry.
Alucidnation said:
gottans said:
Worth bearing in mind that the uk 13A plug is fused, the plug is fused because our wiring standard uses the ring main rated at 32A.
The european schuko plug and us plugs are not fused because the building wiring is different. Using plugs without fuses in uk buildings represents a very serious hazard to life and property plus a darwin award entry.
bThe european schuko plug and us plugs are not fused because the building wiring is different. Using plugs without fuses in uk buildings represents a very serious hazard to life and property plus a darwin award entry.
ks.If you think I am wrong then please provide a counter-argument rather than just dismiss the statement.
I may start popping up pictures of my retro plugs connection. Just found a Crabtree one which must be from the early 90s. On the Xmas lights that go round the porch there is an early 80s Ashley one (without insulation on the terminals) It might not be the safest plug in our possession but its traditional to use it.
I started the thread partly as a mock anorak and partly as a homage. Most of what I post is tongue in cheek but it doesn't always travel well.
I am also aware that MK did not bring in the safety standards that we have. ( I was messaged about this) I know full well that the safety specifications we have came about after many years of work. I also know that the MK Safety Plug is just a product name but I was just genuinely surprised that a design of a plug brought out in the 80s hadn't altered much in 30 years. Other manufacturers have chopped and changed their designs Mk have stayed true to theirs and if you think about it that doesn't happen much. Over the course of that 30 years TV's have cone from 20/ 22 or 26" cathode ray beasts through FST (flatter Squarer Tubes - remember them ? ) through to the LCD's that we have today. Cassette decks have dies, mini disc and DAT have come and gone. Yet one manufacturer sticks with the same curved shape throughout it all.
I started the thread partly as a mock anorak and partly as a homage. Most of what I post is tongue in cheek but it doesn't always travel well.
I am also aware that MK did not bring in the safety standards that we have. ( I was messaged about this) I know full well that the safety specifications we have came about after many years of work. I also know that the MK Safety Plug is just a product name but I was just genuinely surprised that a design of a plug brought out in the 80s hadn't altered much in 30 years. Other manufacturers have chopped and changed their designs Mk have stayed true to theirs and if you think about it that doesn't happen much. Over the course of that 30 years TV's have cone from 20/ 22 or 26" cathode ray beasts through FST (flatter Squarer Tubes - remember them ? ) through to the LCD's that we have today. Cassette decks have dies, mini disc and DAT have come and gone. Yet one manufacturer sticks with the same curved shape throughout it all.
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 10th December 23:18
Morningside said:
speedyman said:
Seen these lampholder plugs used a few times as well to power small appliances years ago. Note they are only two wire so no earth.
I used to love those. You could get a switched holder as well and from what I understand speaking to dad years ago that a house would be supplied with a socket and light fitting and into that you would plug your iron, radio or some other mad item.I have told this story several times and many times been called a fibber but it's true !
When I was 12 in my 2nd year at High School at Xmas the Christmas Tree lights failed I remember my parents were out and the Christmas edition of Upstairs Downstairs was on ITV. Anyway I pulled the plug for the lights out and started investigating making sure each bulb was screwed in (this all predates the white fuse bulb wiring type) I eventually I narrowed it down to a faulty bulb but replacing the bulb didn't help. Squeezing the bulb holder did. Off shoot was I took the bulb holder out of circuit and insulated the wires back together. I did however bare the wire with my teeth. Unfortunately the thing was still plugged in. I received a hell of a shock.
Now I've been told by people that such at hing would have killed me etc hence the lying thing but I swear its true
When I was 12 in my 2nd year at High School at Xmas the Christmas Tree lights failed I remember my parents were out and the Christmas edition of Upstairs Downstairs was on ITV. Anyway I pulled the plug for the lights out and started investigating making sure each bulb was screwed in (this all predates the white fuse bulb wiring type) I eventually I narrowed it down to a faulty bulb but replacing the bulb didn't help. Squeezing the bulb holder did. Off shoot was I took the bulb holder out of circuit and insulated the wires back together. I did however bare the wire with my teeth. Unfortunately the thing was still plugged in. I received a hell of a shock.
Now I've been told by people that such at hing would have killed me etc hence the lying thing but I swear its true
AlexC1981 said:
I've got an old sleeveless MK plug that's been hanging around in drawers for years and looks like it's had a hard life. It's got the connectors that you wrap the cable round and then screw a clamp down onto it.
Anyone know what the hole is for in the top?
(It's on an ironing board cover by the way, not stained bedsheets
)
Thank youAnyone know what the hole is for in the top?
(It's on an ironing board cover by the way, not stained bedsheets
)
I was going to mention in my original post how the MK Safety Plug "took over" from its predecessor model. I actually remembered that we had some of the older plugs on stuff when I was younger. But I just couldn't actually remember what it looked like. Genuine thanks.
Veering slightly off topic but as regards CRT'S
Years ago I lived in a static caravan on a residential site. I can honestly say its ste and I don't recommend it. When it rained it was like people were lobbing peanuts at your roof. The gas bottle worked great on the cooker but was ste at powering the hot water boiler. I must have wasted a dozen bottles with 20% gas left in them before I realised it was still ok for the gas fire.
But I digress -Caravans get VERY COLD in winter
Anyway I had a Philips G8 TV I rented. and what would happen is that if you switched it on the tripler would go "qitik katak zap, bang BANG" as the thing took the shortest route across the surface. Hard to explain but some of you older nay mature gentleman will know what I mean. It didn't matter if the TV was switched on when the room was cold or after it was heated up it would still make no manner of aggressive cracky sounding noises. Actually worse if the room was heated then the telly switched on. I suspect condensation may have had a part to play in this.
Unfortunately sitting there and reading a book whilst the TV acclimatised wasn't an option at the best of times It took me an hour to cycle home and on Mondays Blake's Seven was on so the TV had to go on.
I once decided to clear the area round the tripler and you sort of roll back the rubber coating then squeeze the metal prongs together through the rubber and unhook it from the tube. I once touched the metal prongs - Jeez that hurt like hell remember it to this day. I doubt even if fited with an MK Safety plug it would have been less hurtful
Years ago I lived in a static caravan on a residential site. I can honestly say its s
te and I don't recommend it. When it rained it was like people were lobbing peanuts at your roof. The gas bottle worked great on the cooker but was ste at powering the hot water boiler. I must have wasted a dozen bottles with 20% gas left in them before I realised it was still ok for the gas fire.But I digress -Caravans get VERY COLD in winter
Anyway I had a Philips G8 TV I rented. and what would happen is that if you switched it on the tripler would go "qitik katak zap, bang BANG" as the thing took the shortest route across the surface. Hard to explain but some of you older nay mature gentleman will know what I mean. It didn't matter if the TV was switched on when the room was cold or after it was heated up it would still make no manner of aggressive cracky sounding noises. Actually worse if the room was heated then the telly switched on. I suspect condensation may have had a part to play in this.
Unfortunately sitting there and reading a book whilst the TV acclimatised wasn't an option at the best of times It took me an hour to cycle home and on Mondays Blake's Seven was on so the TV had to go on.
I once decided to clear the area round the tripler and you sort of roll back the rubber coating then squeeze the metal prongs together through the rubber and unhook it from the tube. I once touched the metal prongs - Jeez that hurt like hell remember it to this day. I doubt even if fited with an MK Safety plug it would have been less hurtful
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 15th December 03:52
speedyman said:
I worked on Atari video games in the mid 1970's, space invader's, Breakout etc. So I know all about replacing crt's without discharging them. Hair raising stuff Lol
Me too, I cut my teeth on repairing classic arcade games. Many an hour spent on my knees in a busy arcade trying to troubleshoot a faulty AR2.I took a full hit to the chest from a crt that I was carrying, I still managed to keep hold of it but there was some swearing and my arm went numb for a while afterwards.
Concerned about the posts above.
I don't want anyone taking electric shocks to prove a point. As a matter of interest my other half uses a thing with batteries they are only 1.5 volts and there 2 of them but its still only 3 Volts. When she uses it I get concerned as with her facial contortions and the way she starts spasms its like she is having a heart attack.
And it's scary.
So no messing about with electric guys and damaging your health. In my case the salmonella from when she cooks the turkey will probably do for me.
I don't want anyone taking electric shocks to prove a point. As a matter of interest my other half uses a thing with batteries they are only 1.5 volts and there 2 of them but its still only 3 Volts. When she uses it I get concerned as with her facial contortions and the way she starts spasms its like she is having a heart attack.
And it's scary.
So no messing about with electric guys and damaging your health. In my case the salmonella from when she cooks the turkey will probably do for me.
As the OP of this thread it was interesting to revisit it.
I never expected it to get the responses it got and genuinely and generally found most of the replies interesting.
Anyway its sort of timely (though maybe three weeks too late to mention this)
I went to a friends daughters house to set up her new Virgin self install kit. It soon became obvioyus why she was unable to do what the instructions said as the box was missing one of the actual cables. That was soon remedied.
Anyway half an hour later Virgin V6 box and of course the Tv service all installed and working
She commented on one set of her Xmas tree lights not working so I took a look
The plug they were wired to was the cheapest piece of crap I have seen. Sure it was the type you could open up but the terminals were cheap the quality of metal thin and to my surprise the fuse seemed soldered in with no indication of its value.
The plug though was labelled 3A
They were bought from a well known store too
Just goes to show - be safe and check
I never expected it to get the responses it got and genuinely and generally found most of the replies interesting.
Anyway its sort of timely (though maybe three weeks too late to mention this)
I went to a friends daughters house to set up her new Virgin self install kit. It soon became obvioyus why she was unable to do what the instructions said as the box was missing one of the actual cables. That was soon remedied.
Anyway half an hour later Virgin V6 box and of course the Tv service all installed and working
She commented on one set of her Xmas tree lights not working so I took a look
The plug they were wired to was the cheapest piece of crap I have seen. Sure it was the type you could open up but the terminals were cheap the quality of metal thin and to my surprise the fuse seemed soldered in with no indication of its value.
The plug though was labelled 3A
They were bought from a well known store too
Just goes to show - be safe and check
This excellent and thought provoking thread was the best place to pop in this timely post.
Here we have Corporal Ashley who is about to assume porch light Christmas duties for the 33rd consecutive year at TD towers
Prior to that his duties involved at different times a Pye 20" TV a Hitachi Hi Fi music centre and I think a VHS video recorder at the earlier TD residence.
Corporal Ashley and Private Pifco (I think is the manufacturer) have been responsible for the porch lights since 1986.
Thank you
Here we have Corporal Ashley who is about to assume porch light Christmas duties for the 33rd consecutive year at TD towers
Prior to that his duties involved at different times a Pye 20" TV a Hitachi Hi Fi music centre and I think a VHS video recorder at the earlier TD residence.
Corporal Ashley and Private Pifco (I think is the manufacturer) have been responsible for the porch lights since 1986.
Thank you
Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff