[[email protected]]

I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare
wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged
lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my
central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is
done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

[John Weston]

In article 81253837-1706-4a68-8258-e2e0cd4da055
@u7g2000yqm.googlegroups.com, " wrote:

I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare
wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged
lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my
central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is
done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

I've got one upstairs but Google gives several Ebay choices or:
http://www.test-meter.co.uk/products...t/pat-testing-
accessories/quicktest-block-safetest-block/



--
John W
I you want to mail me, replace the obvious with co.uk twice

[Harry Bloomfield[_3_]]

laid this down on his screen :
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

I use a couple on my test benches and is the name I use.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S grounds
and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.

Curiously - Nothing found on ebay either.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

[Steve Walker]

wrote:
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare
wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged
lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my
central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is
done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

Mmmm, I know what you mean - I've seen them used in electrical retailers.
Personally I always end up using insulated test leads with mini croc clips
when I want to try a batch of components, but it's a bit fiddly and I
wouldn't mind a "safe block" for the workbench (old trembly hands
nowadays....)

[Bob Eager]

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:53:10 -0800, wrote:

I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged lid,
and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

I remember them. Haven't seen one for quite a while.

I was afraid elf 'n safety had got rid of them, but Google shows they are
still around. Google for SafeBloc (no 'k').

There's another unrelated product with the same name, so you'll need to
filter those out!

--
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK:
http://www.mirrorservice.org

[Steve Walker]

wrote:
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare
wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged
lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my
central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is
done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

£20 on Ebay - item 350267949459

[js.b1]

Ebay...
- 350267949459
- Quicktest Test Block Mains with Neon
- £20

- 310187263681
- ELECTROVISION BLACK QUICK TEST BLOCK WITH COLOUR CODED
- £30

Not the cheapest in fact.

Do a google for "Mains Test Block".
- DJSoundKit £20
- TestMeter.co.uk £20 block with orange lid / cord / plug
- RS Components 458-926 £19

[js.b1]

To add...
- Cliff CL1850
- Farnell do under 658716 £19, out of stock

The cheapest solution is an adaptable box with 1/4-turn fasteners,
Wago Lever Clips to power cord, gland, BS1363 plug.
Strip 10mm off the cable, open wago lever, insert, close lever, then
plug into the mains.

[Toby]

wrote in message
...
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare
wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged
lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my
central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is
done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

This is what you want

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/pr...sp?sku=PL10638

Click on "Further Information" at the bottom to get a picture.

Toby...

[Steve Walker]

js.b1 wrote:
To add...
- Cliff CL1850
- Farnell do under 658716 £19, out of stock

Wago Lever Clips......

Crikey, now they're clever little dooberries aren't they..!
Bought a small batch on ebay just now, they look really useful.

[mick[_2_]]

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:46:35 +0000, Toby wrote:

wrote in message
...
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare
wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged
lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my
central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is
done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

This is what you want

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/pr...sp?sku=PL10638

Click on "Further Information" at the bottom to get a picture.




That's the beast. They (or something very like them) used to be known as
"Keynectors". Very good.



--
Mick (Working in a M$-free zone!)
Web: http://www.nascom.info
Filtering everything posted from googlegroups to kill spam.

[Harry Bloomfield[_3_]]

Steve Walker has brought this to us :
Mmmm, I know what you mean - I've seen them used in electrical retailers.
Personally I always end up using insulated test leads with mini croc clips
when I want to try a batch of components, but it's a bit fiddly and I
wouldn't mind a "safe block" for the workbench (old trembly hands
nowadays....)

The 'safe' part is that before you can get to the croc clips - opening
the cover disconnects the supply.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

[geoff]

In message
,
" writes
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

It's a quick way of applying power to something that only has bare
wires on a trailing lead.

A safe block is 3 spring loaded clamps in a small box with a hinged
lid, and attached to a trailing mains lead with plug. (but no power is
applied until you close the box lid, so no exposed live terminals).

Anyway, it would be useful to apply power to pumps and valves in my
central heating to make sure they're good, before the fixed wiring is
done.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?


I've bought them from CPC in the past

--
geoff

[The Medway Handyman]

mick wrote:

That's the beast. They (or something very like them) used to be known
as "Keynectors". Very good.

Ah! Keynectors. Thats the name I remember.



--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

[Rob Horton]

Harry Bloomfield wrote:
laid this down on his screen :
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

I use a couple on my test benches and is the name I use.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S grounds
and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.

Curiously - Nothing found on ebay either.

Another H&S myth.

A quick search reveals that the usual suspects do supply them.

RS, reassuringly expensive

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...+block&x=0&y=0

[Dave Plowman (News)]

In article ,
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S grounds
and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.

Urban myth which pushed up the secondhand prices. ;-)

All the usual suspects stock them - RS Components etc.

They're safer than any other form of temporary connection like a connector
strip.

--
*OK, who stopped payment on my reality check?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

[Frank Erskine]

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:06:46 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

In article ,
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S grounds
and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.

Urban myth which pushed up the secondhand prices. ;-)

All the usual suspects stock them - RS Components etc.

They're safer than any other form of temporary connection like a connector
strip.

Agreed. I regularly use a couple of them.

I've heard of some of them nicknamed "LEN" blocks, since the terminal
clips are labelled "L","E" and "N".

--
Frank Erskine

[Rob Horton]

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S grounds
and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.

Urban myth which pushed up the secondhand prices. ;-)

All the usual suspects stock them - RS Components etc.

They're safer than any other form of temporary connection like a connector
strip.

Or wire nuts.

[PeterC]

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:00:30 +0000, Rob Horton wrote:

Harry Bloomfield wrote:
laid this down on his screen :
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.

I use a couple on my test benches and is the name I use.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill the
same function but go by a different name?

I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S grounds
and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.

Curiously - Nothing found on ebay either.

Another H&S myth.

A quick search reveals that the usual suspects do supply them.

RS, reassuringly expensive

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...+block&x=0&y=0

I've a 30-year old RS one - no colour-coding and has bare metal clips. Bet
that wouldn't be sold nowadays!
--
Peter.
The head of a pin will hold more angels if
it's been flattened with an angel-grinder.

[geoff]

In message , Rob Horton
writes
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
laid this down on his screen :
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.
I use a couple on my test benches and is the name I use.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill
the
same function but go by a different name?
I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S
grounds and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.
Curiously - Nothing found on ebay either.

Another H&S myth.

A quick search reveals that the usual suspects do supply them.

RS, reassuringly expensive

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...?method=search
Products&searchTerm=safe+block&x=0&y=0


Which is why I bought from CPC



--
geoff

[Bob Eager]

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:38:42 +0000, geoff wrote:

In message , Rob Horton
writes
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
laid this down on his screen :
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.
I use a couple on my test benches and is the name I use.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill
the
same function but go by a different name?
I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S
grounds and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.
Curiously - Nothing found on ebay either.

Another H&S myth.

A quick search reveals that the usual suspects do supply them.

RS, reassuringly expensive

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...?method=search
Products&searchTerm=safe+block&x=0&y=0


Which is why I bought from CPC

Given the RS acronym, here's another:

Can't Pack Competently



--
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK:
http://www.mirrorservice.org

[geoff]

In message , Bob Eager
writes
On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:38:42 +0000, geoff wrote:

In message , Rob Horton
writes
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
laid this down on his screen :
I'm after what we used to call a "safe block" - although I think that
was a trade name.
I use a couple on my test benches and is the name I use.

Anyone name a reasonably priced supplier, or products that fulfill
the
same function but go by a different name?
I think I heard something about them being discontinued on H&S
grounds and the usual suspects do not seem to stock them.
Curiously - Nothing found on ebay either.

Another H&S myth.

A quick search reveals that the usual suspects do supply them.

RS, reassuringly expensive

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...?method=search
Products&searchTerm=safe+block&x=0&y=0


Which is why I bought from CPC

Given the RS acronym, here's another:

Can't Pack Competently

Crap Products Company


--
geoff

[Clint Sharp]

In message , PeterC
writes
I've a 30-year old RS one - no colour-coding and has bare metal clips. Bet
that wouldn't be sold nowadays!
Why not? The clips aren't live until the knife blades are home. You
*should* really use it with an isolating transformer but....
--
Clint Sharp

[Mike]

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:45:04 GMT, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:

mick wrote:

That's the beast. They (or something very like them) used to be known
as "Keynectors". Very good.

Ah! Keynectors. Thats the name I remember.

They were deemed 'less safe' that the Safebloc as they only had a
single phase disconnect and I suspect that was the main reason they
died a death in the catalogues a decade or so ago.

It's not a huge problem if it's a permanent installation on a test
bench but move it into the field and a phase/neutral reversal could
leave a piece of equipment live - if you were stupid enough to go
inside said equipment relying on the keynector for isolation.


--