Portable power pack with 230v outlet

[Richard M]

So I've bought one of these to use in an outside building.  It has a large internal battery, lots of USB outlets and a 'standard' 3-pin UK mains socket... except that it has no earth-pin shutter and the live/neutral connections are visible.

Is this allowed?  It's CE / UL / GS / etc. marked.  It's not a cheap import.

I know that it's effectively an isolated supply, and not used in the home - so does that make it exempt?

Couldn't find an answer to this on the 'net, so posting here.

 

[Sidewinder]

Where was it bought from?

UL & GS are irrelevant to the UK.

A BS1363 socket outlet cannot be CE marked as it does not comply with international standards, only because none exist.

 I would say it doesn’t comply with UK product legislation.

 

[Richard M]

Where was it bought from?

From a seller on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BEAUDENS-Portable-Generator-Phosphate-Emergency/dp/B07MC7TV2G/

I'm inclined to return it as unsafe.  The photo of the 3-pin socket on the Amazon site doesn't show the fact that all 3 electrical terminals are visible.  Quite what they connect the earth to I don't know.

It's a shame, as I actually went for this one partly because it appeared to have a proper 3-pin socket and not the 'universal' ones that appear to be on everything else.

 

[Sidewinder]

What a surprise, not!

Amazon sell a lot of non compliant tat and the authorities seem to be scared of them, which is simply wrong.

The earth is there to create aTN-S system.

 

[Blue Duck]

What is your intended use? 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Photonic-Universe-controller-battery-motorhome/dp/B008BV8CIW/ + leisure battery would be good for lighting and small power (12V).

You could upscale to include and inverter ( not of the Chinesium variety ) If you wanted 230v

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victron-SmartSolar-MPPT-75-programming/dp/B075NQQRPD/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Renogy-Monocrystalline-Compact-Motorhome-Caravan/dp/B07HR6RSB9/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victron-Energy-Phoenix-Inverter-VE-Direct/dp/B07T9MZTHT

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hankook-Leisure-Battery-Caravan-Motorhome/dp/B07RS3ZQ6M

Yes I costs a lot more but would last.

You have to wade through  the poop on amazon to get to the good ****... 

 

[Richard M]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victron-Energy-Phoenix-Inverter-VE-Direct/dp/B07T9MZTHT

Intended use is occasional use in a Summerhouse.

Unless I'm mistaken, the Victron unit above is also missing shutters?  Difficult to see in the photo, but looks like there's direct access to all 3 terminals.

Not trying to pick holes in your suggestions, but maybe this is 'standard' for inverters?

 

[Blue Duck]

Victron are a decent brand, hence the price but I agree that the picture of the socket isn't great, although I cannot see any exposed terminals.

Perhaps a fixed supply is your best option?