I noticed that, too. I think this is an American thing but some younger people use "sus" in place of "suspect", as in that person's ___________ is suspect. I think Clive will get a quick chuckle out of that if he reads this comment (he is in the Isle of Man which is a island country just south of the UK so he may not be aware of this).
@@nemesis2264 lol I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, to be frank. Though trying to imagine a place just south from the whole of the UK made me chuckle just a bit. Sorry! 🤭
@@mharris5047 Maybe you are thinking of the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey etc.), which have the same status as Isle of Man - Crown possessions not countries in their own right.
The flat EU plugs are rated for about 600W maximum, the prongs were not sleeved and it ends in an IEC plug that is meant for grounded cables. V E R Y N A U G H T Y.
@@PunakiviAddikti If it's anything other than natural rubber, boiling water will leach the plasticizers into the water. IMHO whole thing is equally sketchy
@@cheyannei5983 It is most likely silicone. It's cheap and easy to make. It's probably cheaper than other types of rubber, not including the potatoes served in school.
@@KeritechElectronics I don't know about the future of the pink one, the blue one is still in working order. The one we have also has a switch underneath that switches between 220-240 and 110-120 Volt. It is branded Navaris with an address in Berlin. Made in PRC, how surprising!
My little kink pettle also folds in like a turtle and me wife has proclaimed "not too bad", "a little tick but, not too bad". She does a check every Saturday night to make sure I'm properly grounded. I hear that the French manufacture a special 'tickler' sheath for pettles - that is supposed to really heat things up. 😊Shall I go on?
Campsites are usually 16A here in the UK, supplied via 16A CEEFORM connectors, though some statics will have 32A CEEFORM connectors. What this would be useful fir is when running off a battery and inverter in a caravan/motorhome/canal boat where the supply is much more restricted.
You could test the cord by measuring its resistance, with a very sensitive ohmmeter, or you could just clip the wire, as Clive does. I approve of his method. Testing Chinese products should always be destructive. Often you don't get a choice. 6:35 - Its a "virtual ground". Well that's what they'll claim. Goes along with the cordless antistatic wrist band.
I did see a video somewhere of someone who did this with a transparent-sheathed cable. The resistance was very weird and was not an easily identifiable metal --- probably some ultracheap alloy mix. They then tried putting the rated current through it, and the whole thing lit up like a lightbulb. Briefly...
I'd be more suspicious of the silicone-to-metal joint than of the silicone itself, but that looked pretty sturdy. I'd like to see the jig they use to press that all together.
I would assume that the thermal switch is a safety feature for when you accidentally run it without water or leave it long enough for the water to boil away. Otherwise the boiling water regulates temperature without any help. As a safety feature it works the same at high altitudes.
Well water boils at 72°c on top of Mt Everest, so it’s hard for a kettle to regulate that without complex electronics to monitor boiling point vs atmosphere.
It is probably silicon rubber - which can stand up to 200°C. While silicon rubber does degrade over time, at 100°C you are far below its limit. So assuming no abuse, this should last years.
My silicone mats, trivet, spatula, pot cover, cookie sheet, etc all can handle 600F / 315C. I'd avoid calling it "rubber" since that implies something that will melt, even burn, at relatively low temperatures, and also isn't foodsafe.
I had one many years ago (midt 90s) made in Japan, and made of 100% silicone. It was multi volt capable, it could run on 12V, 110V and 230V (you got one cable, but with different attachments to Euro sockets, car lighter and a US socket, all with earth wire) It was also 500ML and about 500 Watt. I bought it on Thule Air Base (American Air Base in Northern Greenland) where I was stationed for a short while. I used when I traveled between the small villages in Greenland, fixing stuff for Greenland Contractors as a mechanic. I loved that little kettle, but unfortunately it got stolen from my storage room while I was home in Denmark on vacation. 😒
It's a miracle!!! They actually connected the Earth wire internally!!! But then falls over on the CCA 2-core flex negating that points-winner, and goodness knows what blend of chemicals they put in that "silicone" material... :P
I've never had much of a problem with Copper-Clad Aluminum. As long as you size it right, it behaves well (unlike pure aluminum). I actually wish they'd use more of it, especially for cheap 'throw away' devices. Copper costs too much as it is.
True, but there can be quality differences with CCA.. While i prefer actual copper wires when doing projects, CCA can be fine when dealing with low current or a higher current with enough strands.
CCA wire should never be used for mains hookup. Or anything else really. The problem is they use "CCA" as a buzzword along with "OFC", trying to make dumb people buy it thinking it's as good as copper wire or maybe even better. Copper cost more than aluminum, but the cost difference is nearly nothing unless you're wiring a house with 4/0.
Just NO. Here in the tropics, exposed CCA strands become powder after a few years. I've seen a couple of Chinese computer SMPS' which failed because the wires came right off the PCB if you pulled lightly. The exposed ends were completely gone, while the rest of the wire had become stiff and crunchy. I unknowingly used some CCA in my projects, all of which I had to replace a year or so later. I didn't know the flame test, but I know now.
Yeah, aluminum wire actually sounds like a great idea considering it's less than half the price of copper by weight and only needs half the weight to match copper conductivity. It's often misused in things that could benefit from higher density like a motor or transformer, unless it's just not meant for high performance at all. Copper coating is a must to get a good connection as aluminum oxide is a very tough insulating enamel. (edit) I've had the browser tab open for a while before watching and didn't see the other comments. The copper de-laminating from the aluminum core seems like a probable risk, but it doesn't explain why the whole wire disintegrates. One possibility is the metals diffusing into each other, which I've seen first hand from a "silver" penny experiment way back in high-school where the silver penny i took home spontaneously turned gold colored without heating. I've seen online that aluminum-bronze is absolutely terrible if the ratio is off.
A pink rubber thing....hmm! Who would have guessed? I bet the contents taste a bit...shall we say not natural. Thanks Clive, you once again saved me money😉
Considering the power draw, that cable would not meet regulations, as the two pin Euro plug is only rated for a maxium of 2.5 Amps. It should also have partially plastic coated pins to be a Euro plug, so that's another fail for the cable.
We have an Aldi version of this, brilliant in the caravan as it collapses down to take up naff all space. We typically camp out bush with only a bit of solar/battery for lights but on the odd occasion we have access to mains electricity it does it’s job properly to make a brew :-)
I am not into heating plastics, even silicone, but the fully enclosed heating element and the stainless steel bottom seem decent. Little niggle on the side: always test heating time with lid closed, it can make a difference.
@@kutter_ttl6786 Your assumption is correct, and so was mine. Based on the context I understood the general usage and meaning of the word, it just sounds a bit suspect lol.
CCA and plain aluminum also won't twist properly, making splices using it very dodgy. Also, soldering the splice creates enough heat that the CCA does the same thing as it did to Clive when he tried to light it up. I haven't tried CCA in crimp splices.
@@life_with_bernie Food grade silicone is safe to use for this, its probably not food grade silicone. Even outside of china we have problems with people not using food grade silicone for things.
You could tell before cutting the cord that it was 2 wires inside because of the plug itself. Yes if you get one of these kettles, change the cord to a 3 cord version.
When you look at it though, when it's collapsed, you've saved about 2 rolled-up pairs of socks in space. Which you could have put INSIDE the kettle anyway. Got to admire the inventiveness though. And the fact that it's "earth-ready" and the lead isn't captive. Luxury !
My concern on this one would be around the chemistry of the kettle body, and in particular, what leaches out it as the water heats up. Given its dubious origins, I wouldn't set much store by the stability of the chemistry.
I know almost nothing about electrical components, but I've subscribed for years and love watching you test things. I've learned some stuff too along the way and it's always fun to watch. 😊
I did a bit of research on copper clad aluminum wiring and every reasonable reference I could find said that if, for example, you have CCA wiring in a home, it is safe to leave it in place provided the gauge is sized up appropriately; in most cases this would mean 12ga for a 15 amp circuit. Apparently it was once used quite a bit in houses and apartments as a compromise between aluminum wiring - which is definitely *not safe* on domestic circuits - and 14ga copper, which is considerably more expensive. This wiring is no longer commonly available but was manufactured to fairly well regulated standards and tested by the appropriate -scumbags- agencies. No telling if the CCA wiring in these cheap appliance cables is made to any kind of standard. I think CCA started to get its bad rep due to Cat5 cables failing because the wires are so brittle.
Pretty cute little design! Surprised it was grounded internally. Which... is kind of sad that being surprised that something being grounded is unexpected.
My wife and i bought one of these off Amazon a few months ago - figured burning the place down was worth her getting her morning coffee! Ours did come with a grounded NEMA 15-P lead. Worked well, didn't fail the first time we used it, and didn't trip the GFCI outlet, either! (Haven't tried it on an AFCI-protected circuit yet.)
Been using something similar on a very regular basis (but I think it is silicone) for about three years and its brilliant ! No degradation, no problems and brilliant for travelling = )
I miss a non resettable thermal fuse there. If the thermostate switch fails and this runs unattended, then it will evaporate all water, first, and then eventually burst into flames.
I live in a campervan and bought a "Quest Leisure Products" version of this kettle from "go outdoors". I love it, it's great. Boils fast and stows away nice and small.
Im glad you mentioned that cable. I work in IT so reuse C13 cables all the time for project plugs. I have seen some truely awful wires under all that rubber. My favorite was a supposedly heavy duty cable that was over a cm thick but had 20 guage AL wires inside. It was all rubber and rope filler.
I was thinking the same thing for camping. I have jump/pump with a line jack on it, and I could plug it in outside. Another choice is a travel inverter for cars, but that's kind of a pain.
I have one of these that I use for brewing coffee through a pourover coffee filter at work. It's always worked very well for me, to the point where I ended up buying an "upgraded" version with a thermostat that will let you control the cutoff temperature.
That cable is very problematic even before cutting it open, as it has a C13 plug on one end, but doesn't have Ground/Earth pin on the plug on the other end. You could use it to plug in a device that requires PE without connecting that.
@@Shadowdncer If the wire is copper and appropriately sized the cord should not get anywhere near 70 C. I use the American version of an electric kettle, the cord doesn't even get warm. Of course it is permanently attached to the kettle and, ironically, is double insulated so there isn't a ground/earth.
@@mharris5047 It's just that the plug sits in a cavity with the heating element with little inbetween; if you used that kettle for a while, I could imagine that heating up quite a bit. As long as you only use it sparingly, it's probably totally fine. The kettle also seems to have appropriate internal earth wiring, so if you use a proper cord made from real wire, it's really fine.
Heh, yeah. I just picked up from a yard sale a naughty little steam cleaner unit with an extremely naughty one of these cables. It has the C13 plug, being run RIGHT UP AGAINST 13A according to my analog meter, in a device intended for relatively continuous use, through a dreadful US lead that ends in a TWO PRONG connector. I sincerely forget if it's even polarized. Oh, and the wire lead got warm during use.
@@antaslis3229 Must have missed that. But it would still be not enough for a decently fast kettle. There's a reason why they are usually rated for 2000 watts (or even more).
Nothing is designed to last nowadays, unfortunately. Meanwhile I have a stainless steel travel kettle/coffee maker that's nearly 40 yrs old that still boils water, no problem.
Quick step-by-step guide to restore safety of your Chinese kettle: 1. Throw the cable in the bin. 2. Get a proper replacement cable from a reputable source. 3. Throw the kettle in the bin. 4. Get a proper replacement kettle from a reputable source. Done. Your kettle and home are safe again.
My computer's PSU says in the manual not to use a plug other than the one that comes with it or it would void my warranty. Wondered why (but did as it said since I had no reason not to), Now I know.
If you forgot about this, it will continue to cycle on and off (when the thermal cutout cools) and probably do so until dry. I wonder how exciting things get when it tries to run dry. The cutout is there, sure, but with the lack of thermal sink of water, and the lag - can we melt this thing? Clive, you need to try this ... probably outside
5:11 Basically ANY wholesale or shop in the UK will do genuine cable n bits in the UK. I get pretty much everything from TLC as it's the cheapest wholesaler n more importantly. It's less than a 5min drive from my house, even though it's in a industrial estate. But if I can't get what I want from them, then right behind it is Newlec (even though it's not called that anymore, it's Rexel. But I still call it Newey's).
Wouldn't you be spending more for a better quality cord than what the whole unit cost? Once again, a very informative video. I have been watching you now for a few years. Thanks for what you do.
I am not biting on this one but I have several known good computer style electrical cords in my cord bags, all grounded/earthed. I would swap the cord that came with this silicone cancer factory for one of those if I were looking to get cancer from boiling water in the silicone and having all of those nasty silicone chemicals leach out into my morning coffee. Considering my mother died from cancer I am not looking to press my luck with one of these.
I wonder how soon they will start making copper-coated polyethylene (or any other plastic) wires. Guess they don't do that primarily because they can't make it. Yet.
I've had one of these for several years and take it with me on business trips so I can have a proper cup of tea. One thing of note (which may be obvious now that you took it apart) is that if you leave it switched on, it will start boiling again once it cools down a bit and the thermal switch resets.
@@mharris5047 I live in the states now and I installed a dedicated 240v UK spec socket in my kitchen so I can use a much faster UK kettle. I'm serious about my tea.
@@mharris5047 One of my coworkers in the US was from China. He always bought Japanese tea here (he didn't trust China imports either!) and used a ceramic tea ball.
@@TheRealBobHickman Finally someone does it right instead of complaining about it! Enjoy your proper UK kettle in the US on 240 volts. Apartment dwellers and travelers are probably out of luck though and will have to wait for their tea.
We've got a Kmpa branded one of these in our campa van approx had it for 5 years, absolutly brilliant as its 900watts. it has a temperature sensor so will re boil if you don't switch it off. Ours has a fixed cable not a plug. it did taste a little bit funny for the first few boils but it's tastless now. plenty for 2 cups of your favourite hot tiple.
It looks like the force frim the 3 screwbolts are clamping the outer ring onto the rubber . Given the proximity to the heating element. that socket should've been the kettle variant with superior heat resistance and a ridge to only accept actual kettle cords .
With that exposed metal ring I would expect it to have an earth connection, since I'm pretty sure that's required for both UL and CE compliance. (I had to sit through a day's training on safety standards at my old job, even though I was a software guy.) Only devices that are double insulated and have no exposed metal can omit the earth connection, at least for UL.
@@daveh7720 Under European (or Australian) standards kettles *can't* be double-insulated, as the element casing must be earthed even if the outer body is plastic. I don't care what the UL think.
SUS 304 is just the Japanese equivalent as the American AISI 304/SAE 304/SS 304 Both can be called 18/8 and both can be used for the same purposes, like for the manufacture of A2 stainles steel fasteners.
@@wtmayhew That is a good one. The term "sus" is not common outside of the States. It is short for "suspect", usually for something like "Susie's new BF is sus". I usually don't use that term but younger people do.
I have one of these! I bought it for 2 reasons, firstly, it uses a low enough wattage that my inverter will boil water with it if my electricity goes out, and secondly (this being the main reason) it has "ebullition" written on it. Mine has a variable temperature control.
I have one of these kettles for travel use. While the kettle has merits about collapsing into a tiny size, the water turns conductive when the kettle is powered. Put the tip of a neon tester in the water when the kettle is powered, and the neon would light up! Under no circumstances, should the user insert a conductive item like tongs (or one's fingers) in the water if the kettle is plugged in, even if the rocker switch or even the wall switch is off - some of the dodgy installations may have the wall switch in the neutral circuit. I feel that if we use a proper cable with the earth connected with the kettle, the ELCB/RCD will trip instantly or the MCB will violently trip due the phase shorting with earth. A very dangerous appliance, especially for a user who doesn't understand the fundamentals of electricity.
A friend of mine bought one for her holiday in Spain, the first time she used it, it collapsed while full of boiling water, she was badly burned, and had to return home.
4:31 Shrivels up and gone limp that is a big problem 😂 I wonder if it will start tasting like the smell from a hot water bottle? Thanks Clive great video
I owned a perfectly good electric screwdriver for about 18 months before using it, still persevering with the good old screwwy for 2 inch screws where 1 inch would have been more than sufficient. Then when I did start using it I found that often the torque wasn't good enough to start the screw, or the space was to small for the electric one to fit without an eXtension bar. Now I have to carry the electric (and full set of extensions and bits in their own plastic not so little box) in the hope that I'll come across a really long screw that I can start with the screwwy then get some use out of the electric. OOOHH THE MODERN WORLD !
hey up clive, i have that kettle for my camper(but in white!) that work well but you have to be carful when you pour water out because the rubber tends to fold under so your best to also hold the base and handle as you pour
With such a superb Chinese kettle, each cup of tea also provides the recommended dose of Bisphenol A (BPA) that leeches from the plastic/rubber, for all of your body's future cancer growing needs.
In North America, the cables are generally genuine - because when you see a cheap product that's got the UL certification on it, generally it means the certification is for... the cable! Yes, a lot of UL certified products really mean the cable itself was certified and not the product itself.
It'd be interesting to see equal lengths of the aluminium and copper cables tested next to each other, while carrying the same current, and viewed through a thermal camera - to see whether the aluminium one gets hotter under load.
Great thing about cheep kettles is they make great high power resistor loads. The ordinary standard "2 kW kettle" is also great for testing Marshall guitar amps etc at full power as the ohmage is near 16. Edit: keep filled up with water and better still link out the cutoff switch to stop it opening otherwise you'll blow the output transformer
That is identical inside to an electric saucepan/hot pot I bought from China. Also rated at 600W but with a switch to reduce to 300W. It also has a boiling point cut off but in practice for heating anything other than water this is useless as most things, like soup for example, burn before they reach that point so you need to constantly stir and keep an eye on it. Interestingly though mine had provision for an earth connection, but it wasn't used. I added my own earth connection, replaced the cable with a good quality British kettle cable and now feel much happier using it. Great bit of kit for travelling in hotels and cost me £8 shipped direct from China with a load of accessories too.
i don't know why TH-cam recommended me this video. i haven't been Googling kettles or anything like that. this video feels surreal to me. like a fever dream. i'm not sure why. i'm not unhappy that TH-cam suggested this video to me, to be clear!
That is if I am not mistaken a C13/C14 coupler on the wire that is grounded but there is a non-grounded euro plug on the other end I doubt that is allowed. You need a nongrounded connector like a common C7 for a euro plug. C13 connectors are only rated to 70°C temperature, a kettle needs a C15/C16 coupler that is rated to 120°C. The connectors are keyed so a higher temperature cable can be used in a device with a lower temperature intent but not the other way around. So there is there two ways the cable fails before you even start to look at the internals.
304 means SAE 304 stainless steel. It's known for good corrosion resistance. Thus commonly used among cookware. Although, there's no guarantee the marking matches actual material.
I have a small cute kettle too but it's full metal of course and according the manual it has a second safety feature independant from the thermal protection. There is a strange metal tube inside the water compartment and it looks as if it is supposed to catch the steam from the top of the water compartment. The manual is a bit vague about it, and your video made le curious so i will try to lookup how it works. Maybe my little kettle is designed to be safe at high altitude 😮
Surprising, the cable is trash, but the kettle is actually good. I made a mistake of buying a fake cable like that for my broken laptop adapter before, it went up in flame while I was using it. Had I went to bed earlier that day, I might be a goner. I learnt the lesson, not gonna buy cheap cable ever again, even for low current use, it could break and shorted internally without current meltdown.
I'm a bit surprised you didn't use the Hopi with this! Maybe even test how much current it would take to melt that miserable cord... I actually like this thing. Great for people in tiny homes or RVs...
My wife is Chinese, and goes back to China every year to see family. Like clockwork, when she returns she always has two 23kg suitcases stuffed to the brim with cheap Chinese electrical appliances (for kitchen mostly), and any spare gaps in the packing are crammed with noodles. It is woeful how badly made these appliances are, since they are designed for the domestic market which doesn't give a Gnats cock about safety or reliability. The power leads are always as you have shown in this video. Chinese goods destined for proper export are made to higher standards (for example Dji drones are known to be way more inferior if bought locally in China, compared to those exported to the West). Just my 2 pence worth.
That power cable is a death sentence. It is an alloy with an high zinc content, which is reddish in colour. I believe the import of such wire is prohibited, but the cable holds a fake marking... Thank you for the video...
The cable is a hidden danger. In developing countries where control of standards is a bit variable you can buy twin and earth cable in which the conductors are steel with copper flash coating. Great for starting house fires.
I have one of those, not pink. Works like a champ for a couple years now in my home office. I needed something with relatively low current draw since I don't have a lot of margin below tripping the overcurrent in said home office sometimes.
I can't help but tune in when Clive is reviewing something pink and rubber.
😁
you mean like gloves and stuff 😊
Im gonna put it in my
mouth
The Cink Palculator is my fave!
🤨
The markings inside are SUS. But it does give itself 5 stars!
I noticed that, too. I think this is an American thing but some younger people use "sus" in place of "suspect", as in that person's ___________ is suspect. I think Clive will get a quick chuckle out of that if he reads this comment (he is in the Isle of Man which is a island country just south of the UK so he may not be aware of this).
@@mharris5047 I wouldn't say it's an American thing, its current usage stems from the game "Among Us" which got pretty popular during Covid lockdowns.
@@nemesis2264 Sorry. I need to look at a map, I guess.
@@nemesis2264 lol I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, to be frank.
Though trying to imagine a place just south from the whole of the UK made me chuckle just a bit. Sorry! 🤭
@@mharris5047 Maybe you are thinking of the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey etc.), which have the same status as Isle of Man - Crown possessions not countries in their own right.
The flat EU plugs are rated for about 600W maximum, the prongs were not sleeved and it ends in an IEC plug that is meant for grounded cables. V E R Y N A U G H T Y.
Very naughty indeed. The kettle itself looks okayish, but the supplied cable in outright illegal here in the EU. Good advise to get a proper cable.
Keep the kettle, ditch the supplied cable. Any PC cable laying around should suffice.
@@PunakiviAddikti If it's anything other than natural rubber, boiling water will leach the plasticizers into the water. IMHO whole thing is equally sketchy
It's completely inside Chinese regulations for those plugs and because it never was sold in the EU it violated absolutely nothing
@@cheyannei5983 It is most likely silicone. It's cheap and easy to make. It's probably cheaper than other types of rubber, not including the potatoes served in school.
The Kink Pettle!
GF has one in blue / green for many years now. It does the job of boiling water for a cup of tea when traveling.
@@Frankhe78 foldable and pretty practical - the question is, how long before the rubber breaks.
@@KeritechElectronics I don't know about the future of the pink one, the blue one is still in working order. The one we have also has a switch underneath that switches between 220-240 and 110-120 Volt. It is branded Navaris with an address in Berlin. Made in PRC, how surprising!
My little kink pettle also folds in like a turtle and me wife has proclaimed "not too bad", "a little tick but, not too bad". She does a check every Saturday night to make sure I'm properly grounded. I hear that the French manufacture a special 'tickler' sheath for pettles - that is supposed to really heat things up. 😊Shall I go on?
What a lovely companion to the Kink Palculator! You can use one after the other
You could use the mains cable as an electric blanket element
The low wattage would usually be intended for camping/campsite supplies that are 10A (UK) or 6A (France etc).
The 6 A current limit on French campings is still a thing.
It is indeed, I used to work at a camping surplus web shop in Denmark, and we sold collapsing EVERYTHING including this kettle
You could run three of these with 10A
Campsites are usually 16A here in the UK, supplied via 16A CEEFORM connectors, though some statics will have 32A CEEFORM connectors.
What this would be useful fir is when running off a battery and inverter in a caravan/motorhome/canal boat where the supply is much more restricted.
@@dglcomputers1498 Actual 16 Amps is very generous. On mainland Europe it seems 6 A is still the standard. If you are lucky you get 10 A.
You could test the cord by measuring its resistance, with a very sensitive ohmmeter, or you could just clip the wire, as Clive does. I approve of his method. Testing Chinese products should always be destructive. Often you don't get a choice.
6:35 - Its a "virtual ground". Well that's what they'll claim. Goes along with the cordless antistatic wrist band.
The marketing term is "wireless"
Sometimes just *using* them is destructive... 🔥🔥🔥
I did see a video somewhere of someone who did this with a transparent-sheathed cable. The resistance was very weird and was not an easily identifiable metal --- probably some ultracheap alloy mix. They then tried putting the rated current through it, and the whole thing lit up like a lightbulb. Briefly...
@@hjalfi John Ward?
@@Tsiikki Can't find it now, but I vaguely recall it was someone from India.
The rubber is actually silicone so very durable. I have the US version and it works well but doesn't shut off at high altitudes.
I'd be more suspicious of the silicone-to-metal joint than of the silicone itself, but that looked pretty sturdy. I'd like to see the jig they use to press that all together.
I would assume that the thermal switch is a safety feature for when you accidentally run it without water or leave it long enough for the water to boil away. Otherwise the boiling water regulates temperature without any help. As a safety feature it works the same at high altitudes.
Don't boil your jug in the aeroplane...
Well water boils at 72°c on top of Mt Everest, so it’s hard for a kettle to regulate that without complex electronics to monitor boiling point vs atmosphere.
@@ag.cousinsIf there’s something like a steam detector then perhaps?
That's actually not bad for traveling. The only issue is how robust the rubber part would be after being used more than a few times.
My GF has one in blue for many years now and it is still fine.
It is probably silicon rubber - which can stand up to 200°C. While silicon rubber does degrade over time, at 100°C you are far below its limit. So assuming no abuse, this should last years.
The best travel kettles are from Sea to Summit
imagine it bursting at the seams while full of boiling water. what a wonderful prospect
My silicone mats, trivet, spatula, pot cover, cookie sheet, etc all can handle 600F / 315C. I'd avoid calling it "rubber" since that implies something that will melt, even burn, at relatively low temperatures, and also isn't foodsafe.
I had one many years ago (midt 90s) made in Japan, and made of 100% silicone. It was multi volt capable, it could run on 12V, 110V and 230V (you got one cable, but with different attachments to Euro sockets, car lighter and a US socket, all with earth wire) It was also 500ML and about 500 Watt.
I bought it on Thule Air Base (American Air Base in Northern Greenland) where I was stationed for a short while. I used when I traveled between the small villages in Greenland, fixing stuff for Greenland Contractors as a mechanic. I loved that little kettle, but unfortunately it got stolen from my storage room while I was home in Denmark on vacation. 😒
how did the same heater work on 12 volt and 240 volt? Was it a 12 volt heater with a transformer in the mains adapters?
@@zebo-the-fat I'm gonna guess multiple coils
Gosh what a story! Sad it got stolen.
It's a miracle!!! They actually connected the Earth wire internally!!! But then falls over on the CCA 2-core flex negating that points-winner, and goodness knows what blend of chemicals they put in that "silicone" material... :P
I've never had much of a problem with Copper-Clad Aluminum. As long as you size it right, it behaves well (unlike pure aluminum). I actually wish they'd use more of it, especially for cheap 'throw away' devices. Copper costs too much as it is.
True, but there can be quality differences with CCA.. While i prefer actual copper wires when doing projects, CCA can be fine when dealing with low current or a higher current with enough strands.
@@DigitalIPDon't forget iron cables .
CCA wire should never be used for mains hookup. Or anything else really. The problem is they use "CCA" as a buzzword along with "OFC", trying to make dumb people buy it thinking it's as good as copper wire or maybe even better. Copper cost more than aluminum, but the cost difference is nearly nothing unless you're wiring a house with 4/0.
Just NO. Here in the tropics, exposed CCA strands become powder after a few years. I've seen a couple of Chinese computer SMPS' which failed because the wires came right off the PCB if you pulled lightly. The exposed ends were completely gone, while the rest of the wire had become stiff and crunchy. I unknowingly used some CCA in my projects, all of which I had to replace a year or so later. I didn't know the flame test, but I know now.
Yeah, aluminum wire actually sounds like a great idea considering it's less than half the price of copper by weight and only needs half the weight to match copper conductivity.
It's often misused in things that could benefit from higher density like a motor or transformer, unless it's just not meant for high performance at all.
Copper coating is a must to get a good connection as aluminum oxide is a very tough insulating enamel.
(edit) I've had the browser tab open for a while before watching and didn't see the other comments.
The copper de-laminating from the aluminum core seems like a probable risk, but it doesn't explain why the whole wire disintegrates.
One possibility is the metals diffusing into each other, which I've seen first hand from a "silver" penny experiment way back in high-school where the silver penny i took home spontaneously turned gold colored without heating.
I've seen online that aluminum-bronze is absolutely terrible if the ratio is off.
A pink rubber thing....hmm! Who would have guessed? I bet the contents taste a bit...shall we say not natural. Thanks Clive, you once again saved me money😉
I wonder if any other colors are available.
Always advisable to give pink rubber items a good wash before, and after use
Considering the power draw, that cable would not meet regulations, as the two pin Euro plug is only rated for a maxium of 2.5 Amps. It should also have partially plastic coated pins to be a Euro plug, so that's another fail for the cable.
Ironically, the wire inside of the cord is probably also only rated for 2.5 amps.
That heating plate looks a little "SUS"😂
We have an Aldi version of this, brilliant in the caravan as it collapses down to take up naff all space. We typically camp out bush with only a bit of solar/battery for lights but on the odd occasion we have access to mains electricity it does it’s job properly to make a brew :-)
I am not into heating plastics, even silicone, but the fully enclosed heating element and the stainless steel bottom seem decent.
Little niggle on the side: always test heating time with lid closed, it can make a difference.
Little what?
@@TakeNoShiftNiggle. A slight objection, annoyance, criticism. I'm assuming you're American since it's not used too often over there.
@@kutter_ttl6786 Your assumption is correct, and so was mine. Based on the context I understood the general usage and meaning of the word, it just sounds a bit suspect lol.
Ill have to keep that flame test in mind, that is a very handy way to test for CCA.
CCA and plain aluminum also won't twist properly, making splices using it very dodgy. Also, soldering the splice creates enough heat that the CCA does the same thing as it did to Clive when he tried to light it up. I haven't tried CCA in crimp splices.
Clive, do all your eBay searches start with the word "pink...".
That is not a secret anymore.
They start with finding something dodgy looking, and then I look for the pink option.
All deathdaptors come in mandatory pink.
I'm pleasantly surprised by the internals, but I would shy away from drinking water boiled up in contact with so much plastic.
It's silicone and safe to use for this.
@@life_with_bernieIts Chinese, so its probably *mostly* silicone and god knows what else.
Mind-blowing how adulterated a lot of their products are.
@@crabmansteve6844 it does say "sus" at the bottom of the kettle, so...
@@rocktheworld2k6 Was just about to comment on this
@@life_with_bernie Food grade silicone is safe to use for this, its probably not food grade silicone. Even outside of china we have problems with people not using food grade silicone for things.
Rubber Kink Pettle!!!
Sounds like a good weekend.
You could tell before cutting the cord that it was 2 wires inside because of the plug itself. Yes if you get one of these kettles, change the cord to a 3 cord version.
When you look at it though, when it's collapsed, you've saved about 2 rolled-up pairs of socks in space. Which you could have put INSIDE the kettle anyway.
Got to admire the inventiveness though. And the fact that it's "earth-ready" and the lead isn't captive. Luxury !
Coming from Clive, "not terrible" is essentially a glowing review.
My concern on this one would be around the chemistry of the kettle body, and in particular, what leaches out it as the water heats up. Given its dubious origins, I wouldn't set much store by the stability of the chemistry.
I know almost nothing about electrical components, but I've subscribed for years and love watching you test things. I've learned some stuff too along the way and it's always fun to watch. 😊
I did a bit of research on copper clad aluminum wiring and every reasonable reference I could find said that if, for example, you have CCA wiring in a home, it is safe to leave it in place provided the gauge is sized up appropriately; in most cases this would mean 12ga for a 15 amp circuit. Apparently it was once used quite a bit in houses and apartments as a compromise between aluminum wiring - which is definitely *not safe* on domestic circuits - and 14ga copper, which is considerably more expensive. This wiring is no longer commonly available but was manufactured to fairly well regulated standards and tested by the appropriate -scumbags- agencies. No telling if the CCA wiring in these cheap appliance cables is made to any kind of standard.
I think CCA started to get its bad rep due to Cat5 cables failing because the wires are so brittle.
Pretty cute little design! Surprised it was grounded internally. Which... is kind of sad that being surprised that something being grounded is unexpected.
My wife and i bought one of these off Amazon a few months ago - figured burning the place down was worth her getting her morning coffee! Ours did come with a grounded NEMA 15-P lead. Worked well, didn't fail the first time we used it, and didn't trip the GFCI outlet, either! (Haven't tried it on an AFCI-protected circuit yet.)
The astonishment I hear when there is actually an earth cable connected to the metal chassis is awesome. ;)
Been using something similar on a very regular basis (but I think it is silicone) for about three years and its brilliant ! No degradation, no problems and brilliant for travelling = )
I miss a non resettable thermal fuse there. If the thermostate switch fails and this runs unattended, then it will evaporate all water, first, and then eventually burst into flames.
Yeah. A thermal fuse on the other leg would have been good.
Dont need one. As the element heats up current increases and fusable cord fuses
Engineered to be earthed, built to be earthed. Accessory plug not earthed. Well they tried. 🤪
I live in a campervan and bought a "Quest Leisure Products" version of this kettle from "go outdoors".
I love it, it's great.
Boils fast and stows away nice and small.
Im glad you mentioned that cable. I work in IT so reuse C13 cables all the time for project plugs. I have seen some truely awful wires under all that rubber. My favorite was a supposedly heavy duty cable that was over a cm thick but had 20 guage AL wires inside. It was all rubber and rope filler.
Aluminium as became cheaper than cooper... Nice energy management! Thank You Clive for exposing those things!!!
I just upgraded the inverter in my work van to 1500w (continuous). Perhaps this little pink kettle is just the job for on-the-go boiling water.
I was thinking the same thing for camping. I have jump/pump with a line jack on it, and I could plug it in outside.
Another choice is a travel inverter for cars, but that's kind of a pain.
As long as you operate it under supervision or in a fire prove container that sounds sold
One day Clive will say "That's all the screws, what will we find inside?"
Then he'll open it and find "Hello Clive 👋😆"
I have one of these that I use for brewing coffee through a pourover coffee filter at work. It's always worked very well for me, to the point where I ended up buying an "upgraded" version with a thermostat that will let you control the cutoff temperature.
That cable is very problematic even before cutting it open, as it has a C13 plug on one end, but doesn't have Ground/Earth pin on the plug on the other end. You could use it to plug in a device that requires PE without connecting that.
It should also be a C15 or C15A for my taste, since C13 is only rated to 70°C and having that on a water cooker is a bit borderline.
@@Shadowdncer If the wire is copper and appropriately sized the cord should not get anywhere near 70 C. I use the American version of an electric kettle, the cord doesn't even get warm. Of course it is permanently attached to the kettle and, ironically, is double insulated so there isn't a ground/earth.
@@mharris5047 It's just that the plug sits in a cavity with the heating element with little inbetween; if you used that kettle for a while, I could imagine that heating up quite a bit. As long as you only use it sparingly, it's probably totally fine. The kettle also seems to have appropriate internal earth wiring, so if you use a proper cord made from real wire, it's really fine.
Heh, yeah. I just picked up from a yard sale a naughty little steam cleaner unit with an extremely naughty one of these cables.
It has the C13 plug, being run RIGHT UP AGAINST 13A according to my analog meter, in a device intended for relatively continuous use, through a dreadful US lead that ends in a TWO PRONG connector. I sincerely forget if it's even polarized.
Oh, and the wire lead got warm during use.
It looked so small an cute, I thought it was USB powered for a second, lol. Nice teardown as always, really simple and reliable stuff
Well, technically you could build a USB powered kettle, but it would be pretty slow. AFAIK even the newest USB-C PD standard "only" goes to ~130W.
@@NiyaKouya There is a new USB Type C standart available for consumers which can power up to 240 Watts.
@@antaslis3229 Must have missed that. But it would still be not enough for a decently fast kettle. There's a reason why they are usually rated for 2000 watts (or even more).
Pink devices are always the best. Just look at the kink palculator!
"Pink..." - Yes...
"...rubber..." - Go on...
"...kettle." - WTF? You pervert!
I wish the Kink Rubber Pettle would make a regular appearance, moving forward... 😂
I can't imagine that soft rubber aging well.
Nothing is designed to last nowadays, unfortunately. Meanwhile I have a stainless steel travel kettle/coffee maker that's nearly 40 yrs old that still boils water, no problem.
Quick step-by-step guide to restore safety of your Chinese kettle:
1. Throw the cable in the bin.
2. Get a proper replacement cable from a reputable source.
3. Throw the kettle in the bin.
4. Get a proper replacement kettle from a reputable source.
Done. Your kettle and home are safe again.
Shriveled and gone limp. It happens, I recognize this every couple of days.
"A little rubber bung" T shirt shall be added to my BigClive double entendre merch wishlist, along with "nibble, nibble, nibble".
My computer's PSU says in the manual not to use a plug other than the one that comes with it or it would void my warranty. Wondered why (but did as it said since I had no reason not to), Now I know.
If you forgot about this, it will continue to cycle on and off (when the thermal cutout cools) and probably do so until dry. I wonder how exciting things get when it tries to run dry. The cutout is there, sure, but with the lack of thermal sink of water, and the lag - can we melt this thing? Clive, you need to try this ... probably outside
Yes!
5:11 Basically ANY wholesale or shop in the UK will do genuine cable n bits in the UK. I get pretty much everything from TLC as it's the cheapest wholesaler n more importantly. It's less than a 5min drive from my house, even though it's in a industrial estate.
But if I can't get what I want from them, then right behind it is Newlec (even though it's not called that anymore, it's Rexel. But I still call it Newey's).
I can smell the solvents in that water from here.
Wouldn't you be spending more for a better quality cord than what the whole unit cost? Once again, a very informative video. I have been watching you now for a few years. Thanks for what you do.
I am not biting on this one but I have several known good computer style electrical cords in my cord bags, all grounded/earthed. I would swap the cord that came with this silicone cancer factory for one of those if I were looking to get cancer from boiling water in the silicone and having all of those nasty silicone chemicals leach out into my morning coffee. Considering my mother died from cancer I am not looking to press my luck with one of these.
@@mharris5047 hehehe
I love Clive's fascination with pink bits.
Amazing that you can do pink device reviews with nary a trace of innuendo.
It's a tradition to get shady electrical devices in Barbie pink since one item detonated forcibly in my hand when I plugged it in.
I wonder how soon they will start making copper-coated polyethylene (or any other plastic) wires. Guess they don't do that primarily because they can't make it. Yet.
I've had one of these for several years and take it with me on business trips so I can have a proper cup of tea.
One thing of note (which may be obvious now that you took it apart) is that if you leave it switched on, it will start boiling again once it cools down a bit and the thermal switch resets.
If you ever visit the States or Canada be sure to bring your own tea supply. Tea over here is not anything like what you have in the UK.
@@mharris5047 I live in the states now and I installed a dedicated 240v UK spec socket in my kitchen so I can use a much faster UK kettle. I'm serious about my tea.
@@mharris5047 One of my coworkers in the US was from China. He always bought Japanese tea here (he didn't trust China imports either!) and used a ceramic tea ball.
@@TheRealBobHickman Finally someone does it right instead of complaining about it! Enjoy your proper UK kettle in the US on 240 volts. Apartment dwellers and travelers are probably out of luck though and will have to wait for their tea.
Only one, just one of those pink rubber kettles has been sold in the UK, and Clive's got it !
We've got a Kmpa branded one of these in our campa van approx had it for 5 years, absolutly brilliant as its 900watts. it has a temperature sensor so will re boil if you don't switch it off.
Ours has a fixed cable not a plug.
it did taste a little bit funny for the first few boils but it's tastless now. plenty for 2 cups of your favourite hot tiple.
It looks like the force frim the 3 screwbolts are clamping the outer ring onto the rubber .
Given the proximity to the heating element. that socket should've been the kettle variant with superior heat resistance and a ridge to only accept actual kettle cords .
I'm really surprised it's earthed inside. 👍
With that exposed metal ring I would expect it to have an earth connection, since I'm pretty sure that's required for both UL and CE compliance. (I had to sit through a day's training on safety standards at my old job, even though I was a software guy.) Only devices that are double insulated and have no exposed metal can omit the earth connection, at least for UL.
I mean, the cable it came doesnt have an earth so it would make no difference unless you thought to use your own cable.
@@daveh7720 Yeah, but this is from China. I've had so many things from China I've had to attach an earth to myself. LOL
@@daveh7720 Under European (or Australian) standards kettles *can't* be double-insulated, as the element casing must be earthed even if the outer body is plastic. I don't care what the UL think.
@@longrunner258 The US allows double insulated items. I think a lot of manufacturers play fast and loose with the standards, though.
Might have to get one for the motorhome. Great vid Clive.
"I should just keep on screwing."
SUS 304 is just the Japanese equivalent as the American AISI 304/SAE 304/SS 304
Both can be called 18/8 and both can be used for the same purposes, like for the manufacture of A2 stainles steel fasteners.
check the chance of it really being 304 with a magnet
That the steel plate is marked SUS 304 unfortunately suggests that the manufacturer marked it that way as a deception.
@@wtmayhew That is a good one. The term "sus" is not common outside of the States. It is short for "suspect", usually for something like "Susie's new BF is sus". I usually don't use that term but younger people do.
How did I not know about that lighter trick lol good stuff 👍🏻🇨🇦🍻
I have one of these! I bought it for 2 reasons, firstly, it uses a low enough wattage that my inverter will boil water with it if my electricity goes out, and secondly (this being the main reason) it has "ebullition" written on it. Mine has a variable temperature control.
I have one of these kettles for travel use. While the kettle has merits about collapsing into a tiny size, the water turns conductive when the kettle is powered. Put the tip of a neon tester in the water when the kettle is powered, and the neon would light up! Under no circumstances, should the user insert a conductive item like tongs (or one's fingers) in the water if the kettle is plugged in, even if the rocker switch or even the wall switch is off - some of the dodgy installations may have the wall switch in the neutral circuit. I feel that if we use a proper cable with the earth connected with the kettle, the ELCB/RCD will trip instantly or the MCB will violently trip due the phase shorting with earth. A very dangerous appliance, especially for a user who doesn't understand the fundamentals of electricity.
A friend of mine bought one for her holiday in Spain, the first time she used it, it collapsed while full of boiling water, she was badly burned, and had to return home.
4:31 Shrivels up and gone limp that is a big problem 😂
I wonder if it will start tasting like the smell from a hot water bottle? Thanks Clive great video
I have one of those, put it's all white and not pink. Great for suitcase and travel. looks OK to me, no nasty cheap design features.
Not sure you’ve ever reviewed or used a Kill-a-Watt device. They are so convenient for getting real time watt usage, time on, and total kWH.
I owned a perfectly good electric screwdriver for about 18 months before using it, still persevering with the good old screwwy for 2 inch screws where 1 inch would have been more than sufficient. Then when I did start using it I found that often the torque wasn't good enough to start the screw, or the space was to small for the electric one to fit without an eXtension bar. Now I have to carry the electric (and full set of extensions and bits in their own plastic not so little box) in the hope that I'll come across a really long screw that I can start with the screwwy then get some use out of the electric. OOOHH THE MODERN WORLD !
hey up clive, i have that kettle for my camper(but in white!) that work well but you have to be carful when you pour water out because the rubber tends to fold under so your best to also hold the base and handle as you pour
Im not even going to lie, the "pink rubber kettle" sounds like a polite way of saying either a catheter bag or some kind of sexual barrier device.
Says the person whose username sounds like a sex toy :P
@@nimoy007hahahahah it really does!
With such a superb Chinese kettle, each cup of tea also provides the recommended dose of Bisphenol A (BPA) that leeches from the plastic/rubber, for all of your body's future cancer growing needs.
My wife is so going to want one of those if I tell her about this video. Who knows, maybe we do need one? lol
Other youtubers: Lets tear down this expensive gadget. Clive: pink rubber kettle!
Ah, but coming soon - a 360W digital audio amplifier. Sadly in black.
In North America, the cables are generally genuine - because when you see a cheap product that's got the UL certification on it, generally it means the certification is for... the cable! Yes, a lot of UL certified products really mean the cable itself was certified and not the product itself.
It'd be interesting to see equal lengths of the aluminium and copper cables tested next to each other, while carrying the same current, and viewed through a thermal camera - to see whether the aluminium one gets hotter under load.
Test the cable with a magnet, if it sticks it's CCS.
Why they would supply the kettle with an ungrounded cable, I don't know.
Great thing about cheep kettles is they make great high power resistor loads.
The ordinary standard "2 kW kettle" is also great for testing Marshall guitar amps etc at full power as the ohmage is near 16.
Edit: keep filled up with water and better still link out the cutoff switch to stop it opening otherwise you'll blow the output transformer
Nice kettle Not bad at all Other then the Cheap Copper coated Aluminum Wires for the power cord
I hate it when it shrivels up and goes limp!
Not trying to refer to anything in particular.
That is identical inside to an electric saucepan/hot pot I bought from China. Also rated at 600W but with a switch to reduce to 300W. It also has a boiling point cut off but in practice for heating anything other than water this is useless as most things, like soup for example, burn before they reach that point so you need to constantly stir and keep an eye on it.
Interestingly though mine had provision for an earth connection, but it wasn't used. I added my own earth connection, replaced the cable with a good quality British kettle cable and now feel much happier using it. Great bit of kit for travelling in hotels and cost me £8 shipped direct from China with a load of accessories too.
i don't know why TH-cam recommended me this video. i haven't been Googling kettles or anything like that.
this video feels surreal to me. like a fever dream. i'm not sure why.
i'm not unhappy that TH-cam suggested this video to me, to be clear!
That is if I am not mistaken a C13/C14 coupler on the wire that is grounded but there is a non-grounded euro plug on the other end I doubt that is allowed. You need a nongrounded connector like a common C7 for a euro plug.
C13 connectors are only rated to 70°C temperature, a kettle needs a C15/C16 coupler that is rated to 120°C. The connectors are keyed so a higher temperature cable can be used in a device with a lower temperature intent but not the other way around.
So there is there two ways the cable fails before you even start to look at the internals.
304 means SAE 304 stainless steel. It's known for good corrosion resistance. Thus commonly used among cookware.
Although, there's no guarantee the marking matches actual material.
I have a small cute kettle too but it's full metal of course and according the manual it has a second safety feature independant from the thermal protection. There is a strange metal tube inside the water compartment and it looks as if it is supposed to catch the steam from the top of the water compartment. The manual is a bit vague about it, and your video made le curious so i will try to lookup how it works. Maybe my little kettle is designed to be safe at high altitude 😮
Surprising, the cable is trash, but the kettle is actually good.
I made a mistake of buying a fake cable like that for my broken laptop adapter before, it went up in flame while I was using it. Had I went to bed earlier that day, I might be a goner.
I learnt the lesson, not gonna buy cheap cable ever again, even for low current use, it could break and shorted internally without current meltdown.
"Not great, not terrible"
- Comrade Dyatlov
I'm a bit surprised you didn't use the Hopi with this! Maybe even test how much current it would take to melt that miserable cord... I actually like this thing. Great for people in tiny homes or RVs...
My wife is Chinese, and goes back to China every year to see family. Like clockwork, when she returns she always has two 23kg suitcases stuffed to the brim with cheap Chinese electrical appliances (for kitchen mostly), and any spare gaps in the packing are crammed with noodles. It is woeful how badly made these appliances are, since they are designed for the domestic market which doesn't give a Gnats cock about safety or reliability. The power leads are always as you have shown in this video. Chinese goods destined for proper export are made to higher standards (for example Dji drones are known to be way more inferior if bought locally in China, compared to those exported to the West). Just my 2 pence worth.
You must have the most dangerous kitchen in the country.
An IEC power cord? Surprising!
That power cable is a death sentence. It is an alloy with an high zinc content, which is reddish in colour.
I believe the import of such wire is prohibited, but the cable holds a fake marking...
Thank you for the video...
Surely it would be like drinking the contents of a hot water bottle 🤣
I recall clive opening up a a slew of pink and shady products
The cable is a hidden danger.
In developing countries where control of standards is a bit variable you can buy twin and earth cable in which the conductors are steel with copper flash coating.
Great for starting house fires.
Missed the chance to say "It's Not Tea Bag" :-)
I haven't even watched the video and I'm laughing: I thought the thumbnail was a 'my 1st hand grenade' 🤣
I have one of those, not pink. Works like a champ for a couple years now in my home office. I needed something with relatively low current draw since I don't have a lot of margin below tripping the overcurrent in said home office sometimes.