Re: (ET) kill-a-watt

[Tim Humphrey <hump evgrin com>]

Chris Wrote:

>David Roden wrote:
>> On 20 Dec 2006 at 13:09, Christopher Zach wrote:
>>
>>> he's using a grid-tie inverter.
>>
>> Yes, but unless I misunderstood the description, he's backfeeding the
>> Kill-a- watt meter.  Unless he modified the KaW, that would require a
>> double-male cable, no?  Or am I missing something here?

>Typical use of the OK4U was to put a plug on it and plug it into the 
>nearest
>wall. This would handle the NEC of the 90's, I think it was NEC
>02 that called for a dedicated breaker for all grid tie thingies.

>> I know some folks will dismiss this concern, but IMO it's not a great
>> idea to even have such a cable around the house. There's too much
>> chance of an accident.  Even an adult can grab it, thinking it's an
>> extension cord, and get a nasty surprise.  For a little tyke, it could 
>> be
>disfiguring or fatal.

>Since it can't generate power without the grid (ie plugged in) and drops
>power as soon as you unplug it it's about as safe as any appliance.


But Nellie's point was, the fact that a double ended cable exists lends 
itself to disaster *ANYBODY* can take it and plug it into the a normal 
outlet and end up with exposed live prongs.

I agree with David, I also agree with Chris. In Chris's scenario the cable 
should be considered safe. BUT, remove the cable from that specific 
environment and it now becomes very dangerous. There are, I do not know 
the model number or name, cable ends that have a prong cover that moves 
away to expose the prongs when inserted into an outlet. Those are the 
minimum I would expect to see on such a cable (both ends). If anybody 
knows a source for these I would appreciate it, I need some....

--
Stay Charged!
Hump
I-5, Blossvale NY