3
\$\begingroup\$

If a light socket only has 2 connections (thus not grounded) then how can they sell 3 prong (grounded) light socket adapters? How is this legal and safe? If it's grounded, then how does that work? e.g. Amazon's Choice in Light Sockets: https://www.amazon.com/Socket-Adapter-Polarized-Splitter-Converter/dp/B09R1H8FHN/

Or "better" yet, one that claims to be UL and FCC listed! https://www.amazon.com/Socket-Adapter-Listed-Polarized-Converter/dp/B0B433M3HN

How does the ground work exactly?

enter image description here

\$\endgroup\$
7
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ There will be some weasel words in fine print somewhere. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 14:04
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Might as well ask how they can sell these: amazon.com/dp/B07MTPDNMV \$\endgroup\$
    – Solomon Slow
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 14:08
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yes, but that product has a 3rd lead for you to connect the ground wire, so by itself it's not illegal, is it? It depends if you connect the ground lead or not. \$\endgroup\$
    – that-ben
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 14:10
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ I don't see a UL logo. And then there's this monstrosity (Ask your local poco about the advantages of backfed systems /s): getwiredusa.com/ols/products/… \$\endgroup\$
    – Chris Knudsen
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 14:26
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @that-ben - that's called lies (or marketing). I don't see the UL logo in any of their product photos, nor is the listing number mentioned anywhere in their lies (or marketing). Then apply a little critical thinking - why would a dumb passthrough power device even need FCC listing or approval? \$\endgroup\$
    – brhans
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 16:32

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
10
\$\begingroup\$

The seller is in China. They can sell and deliver anything you want to buy, even if a product is dangerous or fake. They are not guaranteed to comply with any local safety regulations and have not been tested for such regulations. They just make it available, and it's your problem if you buy it.

In some jurisditions, you are allowed to buy dangerous products and use them, but then you are also the importer of the product and you as the importer are responsible for the safety of the imported product. May affect how insurance deals with it, if the product you imported yourself burns down your house, as you have no one you can claim responsible.

If in doubt, don't buy.

\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ And Amazon, an U.S. giant company, can sell this to North Americans legally and even advertise this product as an Amazon's Choice? \$\endgroup\$
    – that-ben
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 14:09
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @that-ben "Sold by Danceonship". They'll argue they're not selling anything if you take them to court. Amazon's business model is that they're essentially eBay connecting buyers and sellers, so its your own fault if you buy something dangerous. Courts are starting to see through that argument, but not enough to stop them so far, at least in the USA. \$\endgroup\$
    – user1850479
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 14:11
  • \$\begingroup\$ Both fascinating and concerning. \$\endgroup\$
    – that-ben
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 14:13
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @that-ben unless the Amazon listing specifically states that the product is "Sold By: Amazon", then they'll say that they're just the warehouse & logistics for the foreign seller. \$\endgroup\$
    – brhans
    Commented Oct 6, 2022 at 16:35

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.