Specifications

Power Plugs
Improper use or wiring of power plugs can lead to electric shock and fire.
A common problem for power plugs is improper inside wiring. Common mistakes
include:
• Live and neutral conductors are interchanged; the cable is not securely fixed
by the cable clip.
• Earth wire over-tensioned so that it will break and come out easily, earth wire
not connected, etc. There have been incidents in which the earth wire came
out of the connection and happened to contact with the live conductor,
electricity then flowed to the metal case of a hand tool and killed the person
who was holding the tool.
• The use of improper types of plugs. For many electrical equipment, the power
plugs (especially 2-prong plugs) do not fit into the socket outlets (wall outlet
or adaptor outlet), resulting in "loose contact" between the plug and the
socket. Electric arcing would occur between these loose contacts which will
generate a large amount of heat and possibly start a fire. Thus, the power plug
of equipment may have to be replaced in order to ensure a proper contact with
the socket outlet.
Damaged Cords and Tripping Hazards
Dangerously placed cords will result in wear and tear and can cause accidents. To
prevent wear and tear and possible tripping accidents:
• Do not run cords along the floor in doorways or other passage areas.
• Do not hang cords, even temporarily where someone passing them could
become caught up in them.
• Consider the consequences if an electrical cord attached to a wall mounted
VHF radio charger could cause.
• Twisted or knotted cords could lead to worn, cracked cords. Electric cords
should not be wrapped around or draped over steam pipes, furnaces, heaters or
any other hot surface. The heat could scorch or dry out the cord's insulation
and shock or short- circuit fire can result.
• Check all power cords periodically to ensure that they are not worn or
cracked.
• Hire a competent electrician to replace worn or cracked cords. Never
attempt to repair damaged cords by using "electrical tape".
Danger and Hazard Signs
Danger and/or Electrical Hazard coloured signs should be placed in prominent
positions in the radio room. These signs should be prominently displayed adjacent to
all power outlets.
Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 94