Man seriously injured from electric shock at a gasoline vending machine in Pattaya area

[Golden Triangle]

First rule on having a power shower/electric shower fitted by a ( qualified ) Thai electrician, throw him or her a soap & towel and tell them to fill their boots ???? 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/17/2021 at 3:18 PM, Bangkok Barry said:

So many people on this site have stated over the years that they feel safer in Thailand than in their own country. As Trink used to say, any comment would be superfluous. If the lunatic drivers don't get you then the electricity might.

I'm sure you know that that refers to the chance of criminals attacking one, not traffic or bad electrical installations.

Given the shoddy workmanship one might expect the death rate to be significantly higher than it is, so most are lucky.

I certainly felt safer at any time of day or night on the streets of LOS than in the cities/ towns of home country, where thugs roam with impunity.

[Bangkok Barry]

2 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I'm sure you know that that refers to the chance of criminals attacking one, not traffic or bad electrical installations.

Given the shoddy workmanship one might expect the death rate to be significantly higher than it is, so most are lucky.

I certainly felt safer at any time of day or night on the streets of LOS than in the cities/ towns of home country, where thugs roam with impunity.

One of many on this site who mysteriously refer to their 'home country' and are seemingly afraid to state where they come from. Bearing that in mind, I can't comment on any comparison from where you are from and the LOS.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/20/2021 at 6:58 PM, Bangkok Barry said:

One of many on this site who mysteriously refer to their 'home country' and are seemingly afraid to state where they come from. Bearing that in mind, I can't comment on any comparison from where you are from and the LOS.

555555555555555

I have often referred to my home country by name where it is significant. However, in the context of the post the country is immaterial as IMO any western city is more dangerous at night than any city in Thailand.

I was afraid walking around London, despite it being supposedly well policed. Conversely I was not afraid in any Thai city I happened to be in, despite there being a decided lack of any effective policing.

 

Perhaps in future you can stick to the topic and not veer into personal attacks.

[Rimmer]

Off topic baiting and bickering removed

[Bangkok Barry]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

555555555555555

I have often referred to my home country by name where it is significant. However, in the context of the post the country is immaterial as IMO any western city is more dangerous at night than any city in Thailand.

I was afraid walking around London, despite it being supposedly well policed. Conversely I was not afraid in any Thai city I happened to be in, despite there being a decided lack of any effective policing.

 

Perhaps in future you can stick to the topic and not veer into personal attacks.

 

It wasn't an attack. It was an observation.

[lopburi3]

On 6/17/2021 at 12:47 PM, Peterphuket said:

A 2 pin plug and a separate ground, why not a 3 pin plug?

Because such units are mostly sold upcountry for homes that would not have grounded outlets (even if they allowed a 3 pin plug).  Better to have external ground wire installed.  That said many homes here will at least have a working RCD.  

[jacko45k]

15 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Conversely I was not afraid in any Thai city I happened to be in, despite there being a decided lack of any effective policing.

 

To be honest, last time I was walking in Bangkok at night, there were so few people about I found it spooky and felt concerned due to the strangeness of it. 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/21/2021 at 9:29 PM, Bangkok Barry said:

 

It wasn't an attack. It was an observation.

There is never a compelling reason to get personal on here, ergo IMO it was an attack.

Nuff said.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/21/2021 at 9:51 PM, lopburi3 said:

Because such units are mostly sold upcountry for homes that would not have grounded outlets (even if they allowed a 3 pin plug).  Better to have external ground wire installed.  That said many homes here will at least have a working RCD.  

RCDs must have saved countless lives in LOS. Mine saved me at least twice from uninsulated wiring in the roof space.

[ICELANDMAN]

On 6/17/2021 at 12:47 PM, Peterphuket said:

Ha, ha, ha, any farang surprised?

 

Here's another example, yesterday i bought a small fridge for Mrs, to use it outside.

N.b. brand Toshiba, but of course made in LOS

A 2 pin plug and a separate ground, why not a 3 pin plug?

 

Far save 20 Baths, 3 pin plug more expansive, in any case many houses don't have earth, logic Thai.

 

[Peterphuket]

18 minutes ago, ICELANDMAN said:

 

Far save 20 Baths, 3 pin plug more expansive, in any case many houses don't have earth, logic Thai.

 

It's all true what you say but as a manufacturer you have to set a good example, and especially if it is a foreign manufacturer.

 

[ICELANDMAN]

10 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

It's all true what you say but as a manufacturer you have to set a good example, and especially if it is a foreign manufacturer.

 

 

Chinese production I guess.

 

[jacko45k]

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

It's all true what you say but as a manufacturer you have to set a good example, and especially if it is a foreign manufacturer.

 

China included?

[jomtienisgood]

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

China included?

China first... Just look what a step forward for the pharmaceutical world we are experiencing presently. 55555????

[Peterphuket]

3 hours ago, ICELANDMAN said:

 

Chinese production I guess.

 

No, I mean the fridge I show a picture in this tread it is Toshiba, and yes, made in LOS, but you can expect the management is from origine Japanese.

[ICELANDMAN]

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

No, I mean the fridge I show a picture in this tread it is Toshiba, and yes, made in LOS, but you can expect the management is from origine Japanese.

 

It is very likely that the Japanese management is in Japan due to Covid and still never returned to Thailand to make these mistakes

[Led Lolly Yellow Lolly]

Getting back to the OP, my son was dealt an electric shock in Mae Hong Son a few years ago, he would has been around 4 years old IIRC. It sure traumatised him, he just grabbed the handle of a Roti vendor's cart while we waited for our order. The cart lighting was bootlegged to the street lighting. My son was fine fortunately but it's one of the few times in the last 20 years I've lost my rag in public, the dumb bitch who had the cart just brushed it off as nothing and barked my son should be more careful. I was incandescent at that. You have to protect yourself here, there is no enforcement of regulations to protect you. None. The story in the OP is just a fraction of what get's reported.

 

On 6/17/2021 at 7:31 AM, worgeordie said:

2 wires good ,three wires bad ????

 

I'd adjust that slightly. The third wire is a vital safety feature in any sane culture. Here it's just seen as a waste of money. They just can't see the point of it, electricity is just a form of magic to them.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 23, 2021 by Led Lolly Yellow Lolly

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/23/2021 at 4:42 PM, ICELANDMAN said:

 

Far save 20 Baths, 3 pin plug more expansive, in any case many houses don't have earth, logic Thai.

 

????????????????????????

 

You can't plug a 3 pin plug into a 2 pin socket. As most Thai houses probably only have 2 pin sockets 3 pin plugs would be a problem. However, one can buy an 3 pin adapter that one can attach the earth wire to if one has a 3 pin earthed electrical system in one's house.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/24/2021 at 7:35 AM, Led Lolly Yellow Lolly said:

Getting back to the OP, my son was dealt an electric shock in Mae Hong Son a few years ago, he would has been around 4 years old IIRC. It sure traumatised him, he just grabbed the handle of a Roti vendor's cart while we waited for our order. The cart lighting was bootlegged to the street lighting. My son was fine fortunately but it's one of the few times in the last 20 years I've lost my rag in public, the dumb bitch who had the cart just brushed it off as nothing and barked my son should be more careful. I was incandescent at that. You have to protect yourself here, there is no enforcement of regulations to protect you. None. The story in the OP is just a fraction of what get's reported.

 

 

I'd adjust that slightly. The third wire is a vital safety feature in any sane culture. Here it's just seen as a waste of money. They just can't see the point of it, electricity is just a form of magic to them.

 

 

 

 

While I'm no expert, would it not cost megabucks to convert the entire Thai electrical grid to an earthed system?

Thailand is not a nanny state, and anyone wishing to install an earthed system is able to do it themselves, as I did. All the necessary components are available at any large hardware retailer.

I seem to recall US wiring was 2 pin at some stage, and I assume they used the US system, but different voltage, or it may have been Japanese as many of the outlets on sale are apparently Japanese. Perhaps some one can enlighten us.

 

In any event, many will have an RCD, which is something I never saw till I moved to LOS. They are easily installed by any village electrician. Even my MIL's house had an RCD, which was just as well as the house wiring was lethal.

[Led Lolly Yellow Lolly]

Thailand is an earthed system. We essentially use the Australian system (broadly similar to the British PEN system). Many older houses just don't have a grounded installation and only have 2 prong sockets. The usual solution is to just cut the earth pin off any 3 pin plugs. MAI BPEN ARAI !!!

 

Overall things are improving but very slowly. For example, RCD protection is now a legal requirement on any new installations.

 

 

 

Edited June 25, 2021 by Led Lolly Yellow Lolly

[jomtienisgood]

8 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

While I'm no expert, would it not cost megabucks to convert the entire Thai electrical grid to an earthed system?

Thailand is not a nanny state, and anyone wishing to install an earthed system is able to do it themselves, as I did. All the necessary components are available at any large hardware retailer.

I seem to recall US wiring was 2 pin at some stage, and I assume they used the US system, but different voltage, or it may have been Japanese as many of the outlets on sale are apparently Japanese. Perhaps some one can enlighten us.

 

In any event, many will have an RCD, which is something I never saw till I moved to LOS. They are easily installed by any village electrician. Even my MIL's house had an RCD, which was just as well as the house wiring was lethal.

It is not necessary to change anything on the electrical supply grid.. The mains are everywhere 3 X 380/400V+N. therefor in between each phase and N you obtain 220/240V. ( almost everywhere in the world ). However it would be virtually impossible ( due to cost ) to convert the USA system... 110V... May sound like unnecessary but bare in mind Ohms Law.  

[thaibeachlovers]

9 minutes ago, Led Lolly Yellow Lolly said:

Overall things are improving but very slowly. For example, RCD protection is now a legal requirement on any new installations.

I've seen an RCD on some new NZ circuit breaker boards, so hopefully they are mandatory here too for new installations.

The old fuse wire in a ceramic holder is still common though, as I doubt there is any requirement to upgrade.

The local chippy has a circuit board that looks pre WW2!

[thaibeachlovers]

5 minutes ago, jomtienisgood said:

It is not necessary to change anything on the electrical supply grid.. The mains are everywhere 3 X 380/400V+N. therefor in between each phase and N you obtain 220/240V. ( almost everywhere in the world ). However it would be virtually impossible ( due to cost ) to convert the USA system... 110V... May sound like unnecessary but bare in mind Ohms Law.  

In the 90s I worked in a Saudi hospital that was built by both US and I think French contractors who put THEIR electrical system in. Working with both 110 and 240 v plugs on the same ward was difficult as some equipment was 110 and other equipment was 240. We had a pile of transformers so we could plug equipment in to a different voltage, as there were never enough plugs of one sort in a room. Built long before every IV had to go through a machine and some patients had 4 or 5 IVs.

[jomtienisgood]

10 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I've seen an RCD on some new NZ circuit breaker boards, so hopefully they are mandatory here too for new installations.

The old fuse wire in a ceramic holder is still common though, as I doubt there is any requirement to upgrade.

The local chippy has a circuit board that looks pre WW2!

Don't get confused.. The ceramic fuse is not comparable to a RCD... Completely different function. The ceramic fuse(s) is a normal overload protection.  Or the type you mention or more sophisticated ones. The RCD detects a leak between a Phase & Earth. In some counties (EU) the normal protection RCD = 300mA whereas e.g. bathroom is 30mA..

[jomtienisgood]

8 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

In the 90s I worked in a Saudi hospital that was built by both US and I think French contractors who put THEIR electrical system in. Working with both 110 and 240 v plugs on the same ward was difficult as some equipment was 110 and other equipment was 240. We had a pile of transformers so we could plug equipment in to a different voltage, as there were never enough plugs of one sort in a room. Built long before every IV had to go through a machine and some patients had 4 or 5 IVs.

Big fun, experienced that too..

[thaibeachlovers]

1 minute ago, jomtienisgood said:

Don't get confused.. The ceramic fuse is not comparable to a RCD... Completely different function. The ceramic fuse(s) is a normal overload protection.  Or the type you mention or more sophisticated ones. The RCD detects a leak between a Phase & Earth. In some counties (EU) the normal protection RCD = 300mA whereas e.g. bathroom is 30mA..

I'm not confused, and I understand the difference between an RCD and a ceramic fuse holder.

I merely pointed that out as an example of how primitive some NZ electrical boards are. I've seen some that are a danger to anyone putting a hand near, but as long as electrical WOFs are not required for house wiring it's not going to change any time soon.

Caravans are probably safer as I believe they do need a yearly electrical WOF.

[ICELANDMAN]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

????????????????????????

 

You can't plug a 3 pin plug into a 2 pin socket. As most Thai houses probably only have 2 pin sockets 3 pin plugs would be a problem. However, one can buy an 3 pin adapter that one can attach the earth wire to if one has a 3 pin earthed electrical system in one's house.

 

That's correct but why are you telling me this? I had replied to the gentleman who said that he had bought a fridge with only two plugs and not 3, that is, it was supplied without the earth socket so your answer to me is out of the question.

 

[thaibeachlovers]

1 minute ago, ICELANDMAN said:

 

That's correct but why are you telling me this? I had replied to the gentleman who said that he had bought a fridge with only two plugs and not 3, that is, it was supplied without the earth socket so your answer to me is out of the question.

 

I was replying to your claim that they do it to save 20 baht, so entirely on the question.

[Led Lolly Yellow Lolly]

3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

In the 90s I worked in a Saudi hospital that was built by both US and I think French contractors who put THEIR electrical system in. Working with both 110 and 240 v plugs on the same ward was difficult as some equipment was 110 and other equipment was 240. We had a pile of transformers so we could plug equipment in to a different voltage, as there were never enough plugs of one sort in a room. Built long before every IV had to go through a machine and some patients had 4 or 5 IVs.

 

 

Be careful here, hospitals are a special case. They usually have completely different electrical systems due to the nature of the site and the medical equipment used. Flammable gases, oxygen, explosive situations, complex medical imaging equipment. This is a very specialised area of electrical engineering.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 25, 2021 by Led Lolly Yellow Lolly