Goblin cylinder vacuum cleaner, 1939 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Phil G4SPZ · 8th Jul 2015, 12:15 am

My question relates to the potential electrical safety of this pre-war machine, which I hope to restore for use "at work" and for which it will require a PAT certificate.

The 3-core electrical supply cable is connected via a two-pin, reversible, cable-mounted connector. The line and neutral sockets mate with a pair of fixed matching male pins on the motor assembly. The earth is via external earthing contacts on the plug-in connector, which mate with the edges of the aperture in the metal end cap. The picture shows the connector concerned.

The end cap itself is secured to the cylindrical body by two lever-operated clips, each clip secured closed by a single self-tapping screw. There's only fortuitous contact between the external metal parts, including the metal runners on which the cylinder rests.

Whilst it would be possible to cross-bond all the metal parts together with flexible cables, riveted or bolted with eyelets etc, and fit a permanently-fitted mains flex, before I go to such lengths will this be accepted by the PAT tester for a Class 1 appliance?

Phil

Restoration73 · 8th Jul 2015, 2:48 am

I would temporarily connect the 13A lead with the earth wire attached to the outer metal
case, and perform the PAT. If it passes, then you could proceed. EN60950 compliance does
require a double pole mains switch. It could also be powered using an isolating
transformer with a non standard e.g. IEC plug on the appliance.

8th Jul 2015, 12:15 am	#1
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Goblin cylinder vacuum cleaner, 1939 My question relates to the potential electrical safety of this pre-war machine, which I hope to restore for use "at work" and for which it will require a PAT certificate. The 3-core electrical supply cable is connected via a two-pin, reversible, cable-mounted connector. The line and neutral sockets mate with a pair of fixed matching male pins on the motor assembly. The earth is via external earthing contacts on the plug-in connector, which mate with the edges of the aperture in the metal end cap. The picture shows the connector concerned. The end cap itself is secured to the cylindrical body by two lever-operated clips, each clip secured closed by a single self-tapping screw. There's only fortuitous contact between the external metal parts, including the metal runners on which the cylinder rests. Whilst it would be possible to cross-bond all the metal parts together with flexible cables, riveted or bolted with eyelets etc, and fit a permanently-fitted mains flex, before I go to such lengths will this be accepted by the PAT tester for a Class 1 appliance? Phil Attached Thumbnails __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

8th Jul 2015, 2:48 am	#2
Restoration73 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK. Posts: 2,801	Re: Goblin cylinder vacuum cleaner, 1939 I would temporarily connect the 13A lead with the earth wire attached to the outer metal case, and perform the PAT. If it passes, then you could proceed. EN60950 compliance does require a double pole mains switch. It could also be powered using an isolating transformer with a non standard e.g. IEC plug on the appliance.