TOP brand power bars phase error

[legg]

Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.

This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.

Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.

Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?

NA regulation socket, outside view.

N L

E



TOP hardware socket, outside view.

L N

E


RL

[Wolfgang Allinger]

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified

It depends on the country/connector style.
Germany no polarisation (SCHUKO),
other EU may have some.
Even SCHUKO Style with an aditional round ground (Swiss, Belgica...)
British connectors are very british :]

Post by legg
as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

If you mean 'Kaltgerätestecker',

then look for IEC_60320 C13 female and C14 male.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320

better

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ger%C3%A4testecker

L N
E

So the TOP brand is international correct!

But USA rarely respect international norms :(
imperial vs metric :)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country

and

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets






Saludos (an alle Vernünftigen, Rest sh. sig)
Wolfgang

[legg]

On Tue, 5 Mar 2024 19:56:00 -0300, "Wolfgang Allinger"

Post by Wolfgang Allinger

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified

It depends on the country/connector style.
Germany no polarisation (SCHUKO),
other EU may have some.
Even SCHUKO Style with an aditional round ground (Swiss, Belgica...)
British connectors are very british :]

Post by legg
as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

If you mean 'Kaltgerätestecker',
then look for IEC_60320 C13 female and C14 male.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320
better
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ger%C3%A4testecker
L N
E
So the TOP brand is international correct!
But USA rarely respect international norms :(
imperial vs metric :)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country
and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets
Saludos (an alle Vernünftigen, Rest sh. sig)
Wolfgang

The TOP hardware didn't address 60320 type plugs.

I'm looking for polarization standards in female
unshrouded sockets.

The 60320 is associated with switches and fuses on
both phases, so , polarized or not, the TOP situation
wouldn't present an issue.

RL

[Wolfgang Allinger]

Post by legg
The TOP hardware didn't address 60320 type plugs.
I'm looking for polarization standards in female
unshrouded sockets.
The 60320 is associated with switches and fuses on
both phases, so , polarized or not,

No!

Learn Electrotechnic and to quote.

EOD



Saludos (an alle Vernünftigen, Rest sh. sig)
Wolfgang

[Colin Earl]

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E
RL

An Australian standard GPO (general purpose outlet) viewed from the
front has the pin usage shown in your lower arrangement.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AS/NZS_3112

[legg]

On Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:22:07 +1030, Colin Earl

Post by Colin Earl

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E
RL

An Australian standard GPO (general purpose outlet) viewed from the
front has the pin usage shown in your lower arrangement.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AS/NZS_3112

So it does , however this isn't one of the patterns that
the TOP power bar accepts - only rods or vert/horizontal blades.

RL

[legg]

On Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:22:07 +1030, Colin Earl

Post by Colin Earl

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E
RL

An Australian standard GPO (general purpose outlet) viewed from the
front has the pin usage shown in your lower arrangement.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AS/NZS_3112

I've got an IRAM standard pattern from Argentina, with angled blades
polarization marked opposite to that of the AS/NZS part, but the
TOP power bar doesn't accomodate angled blades.

RL

[legg]

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

I guess I've found the answer in wiring phase for the
BS1363 - a fairly common polarized and grounded socket
used around the British commonwealth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_pin_mains_plug_(UK).svg

from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types

This this illustrates a fused plug wiring with live wire corresponding
to the TOP hardware socket's orientation.
(The fuse is sized to protect the cord's wire guage.)

So - multisocket users beware, TOP hardware or otherwise -
a plug may fit, but the phasing may not follow.

RL

[Roger Hayter]

Post by legg

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

I guess I've found the answer in wiring phase for the
BS1363 - a fairly common polarized and grounded socket
used around the British commonwealth.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_pin_mains_plug_(UK).svg
from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types
This this illustrates a fused plug wiring with live wire corresponding
to the TOP hardware socket's orientation.
(The fuse is sized to protect the cord's wire guage.)
So - multisocket users beware, TOP hardware or otherwise -
a plug may fit, but the phasing may not follow.
RL

That socket is pretty well universal on UK 240v equipment, and coincides with
your diagram. What are the kind of sockets that are actually wrongly
connected?

[legg]

Post by Roger Hayter

Post by legg

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

I guess I've found the answer in wiring phase for the
BS1363 - a fairly common polarized and grounded socket
used around the British commonwealth.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_pin_mains_plug_(UK).svg
from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types
This this illustrates a fused plug wiring with live wire corresponding
to the TOP hardware socket's orientation.
(The fuse is sized to protect the cord's wire guage.)
So - multisocket users beware, TOP hardware or otherwise -
a plug may fit, but the phasing may not follow.
RL

That socket is pretty well universal on UK 240v equipment, and coincides with
your diagram. What are the kind of sockets that are actually wrongly
connected?

The LNE orientation of the UK standard (web link pohoto and TOP
sketch) is reverse that of the NA (sketch) standard NEMA 5-15.

Sockets of 'universal' nature don't take this into account.

RL

[Roger Hayter]

Post by legg

Post by Roger Hayter

Post by legg

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

I guess I've found the answer in wiring phase for the
BS1363 - a fairly common polarized and grounded socket
used around the British commonwealth.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_pin_mains_plug_(UK).svg
from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types
This this illustrates a fused plug wiring with live wire corresponding
to the TOP hardware socket's orientation.
(The fuse is sized to protect the cord's wire guage.)
So - multisocket users beware, TOP hardware or otherwise -
a plug may fit, but the phasing may not follow.
RL

That socket is pretty well universal on UK 240v equipment, and coincides with
your diagram. What are the kind of sockets that are actually wrongly
connected?

The LNE orientation of the UK standard (web link pohoto and TOP
sketch) is reverse that of the NA (sketch) standard NEMA 5-15.
Sockets of 'universal' nature don't take this into account.
RL

Could they not do so by putting the appropriate shaped earth pin on the
opposite side? Might have to be wider.

[legg]

Post by Roger Hayter

Post by legg

Post by Roger Hayter

Post by legg

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

I guess I've found the answer in wiring phase for the
BS1363 - a fairly common polarized and grounded socket
used around the British commonwealth.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_pin_mains_plug_(UK).svg
from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types
This this illustrates a fused plug wiring with live wire corresponding
to the TOP hardware socket's orientation.
(The fuse is sized to protect the cord's wire guage.)
So - multisocket users beware, TOP hardware or otherwise -
a plug may fit, but the phasing may not follow.
RL

That socket is pretty well universal on UK 240v equipment, and coincides with
your diagram. What are the kind of sockets that are actually wrongly
connected?

The LNE orientation of the UK standard (web link pohoto and TOP
sketch) is reverse that of the NA (sketch) standard NEMA 5-15.
Sockets of 'universal' nature don't take this into account.
RL

Could they not do so by putting the appropriate shaped earth pin on the
opposite side? Might have to be wider.

Woulda, shoulda . . . .

RL

[legg]

Post by Roger Hayter

Post by legg

Post by Roger Hayter

Post by legg

Post by legg
Last weekend, I found out that a TOP brand power bar on
my bench had been configured with a switched live wire to the
neutral pins of its outlets.
This power bar has multi-style plug compatibility, with
no UL or CSA safety markings. Will accept European, UK, US etc.
Internally, the plastic extrusion/mold specifically identifies
each location ( 'L' , 'N' ) with the reversed phasing.
The phasing identity in the wire color coding was correct
per IEC brown-live, blue-neutral, grn/yel-earth in the
internal wiring and line cord.
Is there a standard 3pin earthed wall plug (Euro UK Asia Oz
SA Arg etc) where live/neutral is specified as reverse to the
NA 120V 3pin orientation?
NA regulation socket, outside view.
N L
E
TOP hardware socket, outside view.
L N
E

I guess I've found the answer in wiring phase for the
BS1363 - a fairly common polarized and grounded socket
used around the British commonwealth.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_pin_mains_plug_(UK).svg
from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types
This this illustrates a fused plug wiring with live wire corresponding
to the TOP hardware socket's orientation.
(The fuse is sized to protect the cord's wire guage.)
So - multisocket users beware, TOP hardware or otherwise -
a plug may fit, but the phasing may not follow.
RL

That socket is pretty well universal on UK 240v equipment, and coincides with
your diagram. What are the kind of sockets that are actually wrongly
connected?

The LNE orientation of the UK standard (web link pohoto and TOP
sketch) is reverse that of the NA (sketch) standard NEMA 5-15.
Sockets of 'universal' nature don't take this into account.
RL

Could they not do so by putting the appropriate shaped earth pin on the
opposite side? Might have to be wider.

It would make sense if the socket phasing was the same as the
plug on the cord supplying the power bar. TOP didn't do that.

RL