Basically, Double insulated is a little misleading, but
in UL/CSA parlance, it means that the internal wiring
is such that it would take TWO faults to occur, either
of which would stop the product from working, before
anything could become electrically dangerous to the
user. Usage conditions are also taken into account.
Among other things it also means that there cannot
be any exposed metal on the product. ALL exposed metal
must be grounded, which become a non-essential in
double insulated products.

It also means it doesn't need a third "prong", and the
blades do not have to be polarized on the two-blade
plug, and it does not need a 3-hole outlet.

Pop


"Bill Woods" wrote in message
...
On Thu 28 Apr 2005 09:44:56, s--p--o--n--i--x wrote:


If it's the sort of anglepoise lamp I'm thinking of
it will be
double insulated.

What does "double insulated" mean in actual practice?


Whilst it would be sensible to earth the thing, it
will need
'cross bonding' across the hinged joints.