Magic FX CO2 Heads

[Brian]

I've been investigating why a number of Magic FX CO2 heads have been causing mains supplies to trip and what I have found gives me major safety concerns.

 

There are two situations where a mains live or mains neutral to metalwork short can occur meaning that a potentially dangerous voltage could appear on the unit if the earth connection is compromised.

 

The manufacturer is being contacted as I write this but I'd urge anyone owing these units or using them to make sure that in use they have a good solid earth connection.

 

I'm not in a position to go into further details of my concerns but I thought people ought to be aware.

[bigclive]

Well without having seen inside them, I'll just make a wild guess.

 

They look simple enough, potentially just a looped in and out connector and a solenoid? And there'll probably be a braided metal hose floating about in there too? Could it be rubbing against exposed solenoid terminals or the back of the looped through connector?

 

Or could a solenoid with spade lugs on it be rotating on it's core and touching the case?

[Ynot]

Hmmm...

Hawthorns have/had them in hire as I recall.

Always fancied a play with them on a suitable show but never had the budget...

 

 

[Brian]

More information...

 

This problem affects the later version of these heads that are fitted with Powercon connectors. If yours don't have Powercons then it's not a problem for you.

 

MagicFX have looked at this and confirmed that some units may be affected and they are now in the process of contacting people.

 

 

I'd like to say a big "Thanks" to MagicFX for their quick response. If you ever wanted a reason to buy EU made equipment, and not cheaper far eastern stuff, then this is it. All kit goes wrong, it's the nature of things, but when it does it's nice to know that things will get sorted.