"RJH" wrote in message
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"Revd. Norle Enturbulata" wrote in
message
news:VGldc.855$qe5.343@newsfe1-win...

"Dave Plowman" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Revd. Norle Enturbulata wrote:
As I said, even at the Rx (prescription) counter - it's where I used
to
get it in the US.

Ah. Doesn't mean much in the UK.



Over the regular counter the stuff is only 70% with
water. I don't want no steenking water residue on my heads! So I
always went to the pharmacist counter to get the 90% alcohol.

The stuff I got was branded Isopropanol BP (Propan-2-OL). I can't see
why
a chemist would stock a diluted version.

Because people who use it in the application of insulin don't need 90%.
70%
is just fine on the level of decontamination. Not so however for tape
heads, as the water residue becomes a problem over time.

It wasn't
until I saw the supply I brought with me starting to dwindle that I
started checking around, only to be told it was a "controlled
substance".

Many poisons are controlled substances if you try and buy them in
their
'neat' forms.

So then Boots the Chemist is a dead loss on this one eh? Would you
suggest
a smaller one might be more cooperative? I'm told that Maplin's carries
the
stuff though. I'll find out fer sure over the next week...!

And given the bizarre nature of some regulations in the
UK/EU - like the one prohibiting a wall light switch inside a
bathroom!

Given the appalling standards - or lack of them - for US wiring, I'd
keep
quiet about that. ;-)

Having worked on the renovation of the 1851 house we now live in I'd
have
to
take issue with that one. There are too many regulations in the UK and
nobody to enforce them; and the cowboys pick up the slack, usually
trying
it
on for cash.

Quite possibly/probably. An enduring point is that they *shouldn't*. In
the
case of electrical work the local regulator, or local authority in the
case
of planning related works (that is, those that required consent and
constituting development) should 'sign off' completed works. I was
certainly
given a hard time by my local electricity people when my home was
inspected
post-rewire. Quite right too, although this was 10 years ago. Privatised
Britain has a lot to answer for (as did statist Britain!) - but I thin
kthat
pulls you full circle, US-wise!

Why would anyone need the kind of odd hookup they call a
"shaving point"?

It's an earthing/insulation thing ...

What company making electric shavers has the plug for it
anyway?

Most - I think you'll find.

The resultant non-regulation is worse because of the overabundance
of them, and these conditions help to make the UK on a par with the
third
world when it comes to home wiring. Did you know that Buckingham Palace
still has that ol' two-wiring stuff?

No, didn't know that. I'm quite surprised it's even connected to the
national grid in fact. The point of regulations is a hot topic. Stiffle
innovation and flexibility or ensure a consistent approach to design and
construction?

I couldn't believe it myself. A week before the Jubilee we took the tour of
the Palace - at the time we were still entertaining quotes and hearing the
biggest load of bloated rubbish ever from some of 'em! - and, upon entering
the Gold Room, I couldn't help but notice the two-wire fixtures EVERYWHERE.
I suspect that one of the reasons they weren't at that time made redundant
was that the cords were coated with gold leaf. But it wasn't long before
rock concert in the back garden - the one opened by Brian May on the roof? -
was endangered by that fire in the upper sections. They've never come out
and said what the cause was but I'll bet it was *electrical* in nature.
Hopefully this has been corrected.

Priceless! - I'd come to think I was going to have to either smuggle
some in, or use a lot of those awful "cleaning tapes".

When tape machines were common in broadcasting, we didn't use IP
anyway
for any of the tape path or head cleaning - there are dozens of
alternatives. Usually in an aerosol, but also available in bulk - say
5
litre containers. AF or similar. Check out RS Components, etc.

Aerosol would be a bit over the top if all you're wanting to do is clean
your heads with a Q-tip. Ah, excuse me, "cotton swab".

I do agree, and I'm surprised by the posts saying you can't buy BP alcohol
over the counter. Next stage, flippin' fertiliser. Sign of the times ;-)

Will let you know what the situation is with Maplin's after the Bunny comes.
Thx.


--
Steve Goodman
* EarthLight Productions
* http://www.earthlight.net