Revd. Norle Enturbulata wrote:

(Tip: Use the Chemist only for pile cream and cotton buds, even the
Johnnies are cheaper from yer barber..... ;-)

..."Johnnies"?

Merkin are you? You will find that all substances stronger than water (even
that, come to think of it) are strictly controlled, and that IPA is no
longer available from a er.. /pharmacy/ no matter how many members of this
ng say so.

Johnnies btw are condoms, beloved of blowing up over your head, but rarely
used for their intended purpose.

"RJH" wrote in message
...

But back on topic - you can (quite) easily get isopropyl in small
quantities, say 1L, from a chemist. You have to put up with a load of
questions and suffer a degree of indignity but they will sell it IME.

Except Boots, who don't sell it. I always go to small private
chemists/pharmacies.

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.

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.

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. ;-)

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.

--
*If I worked as much as others, I would do as little as they *

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

"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. Why would anyone need the kind of odd hookup they call a
"shaving point"? What company making electric shavers has the plug for it
anyway? 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?

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".


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

"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?

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 ;-)
--
Rob

On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 10:53:30 +0100, Revd. Norle Enturbulata wrote:

snip

As I said, even at the Rx (prescription) counter - it's where I used to
get it in the US. 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. It wasn't until I
snip

I bought a 250ml bottle (i.e. the smallest) over the counter at CPC in
Preston. Ambersil produce it pre-packed as IPA (Isopropyl alchohol) in
containers up to a gallon (possibly more!).

Incidentally, a quote from the label: "Forms an azeotrope with water,
which evaporates more quickly than water for quick and efficient removal
of moisture. Evaporates after use, leaving no residuea."

It doesn't say wheter it is 70% or 90% though, but in view of the above
that may not matter. The 90% concentration will probably remove a bit more
moisture more quickly, but that shouldn't be a problem with tape heads.

--
Cheers...
Mick
Gave up on viruses & trojans - moved to Linux... :-)
Nascom & Gemini info at http://www.nascom.info

In article VGldc.855$qe5.343@newsfe1-win,
Revd. Norle Enturbulata wrote:
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.

The regulations are there for your safety. Of course cowboys will try and
ignore them - so don't employ cowboys.

Why would anyone need the kind of odd hookup they call a "shaving
point"? What company making electric shavers has the plug for it anyway?

In the UK, the mains voltage is 230 volts. This can be lethal under
certain circumstances. And wet hands etc close to earthed fittings - taps
etc - are ideal circumstances to kill you. So any power outlet in a
bathroom (within a defined zone) has to be isolated via a 1 to 1
transformer.

Why would you expect a shaver maker to also make the outlet? Do Sony make
external aerials? You go to an electrical accessory supplier for such
things - or even a large DIY shed stocks isolated shaver sockets.

You might like to visit the company below's website - and ask them for a
free catalogue. It has all the answers you're likely to need for UK wiring
and accessories. They also sell a guide to the 16th edition of the UK
wiring regs if you're really keen. ;-)

www.tlc-direct.co.uk

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.

That's just rubbish. Many DIYers do total re-wires of their houses, or
extend and modify the existing. It's not difficult. You just have to
realise that the US system is one of the most dangerous in the entire
developed world, with more electrical fires per household than any other.
Twisting wires together was outlawed here about 50 years ago. ;-) And find
out how it should be done safely.

Did you know that Buckingham Palace still has that ol' two-wiring stuff?

Then the wiring is well past its sell by date, given that earths have been
required for some 40 years - even on lighting circuits.


If you need advice on UK electrics, visit uk.d-i-y - you'll get all the
advice you'll ever need on just about anything related. With all the
common questions covered in the FAQ.

--
*"I am " is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. *

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

In article VGldc.855$qe5.343@newsfe1-win,
Revd. Norle Enturbulata wrote:
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".

Q-tip is fine. Or Baby Bud. You simply squirt the head with the aerosol
then wipe with the Q-tip.

--
*I pretend to work. - they pretend to pay me.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

"RJH" wrote in message
...

"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

"Owain" wrote in message
m...
"Revd. Norle Enturbulata" wrote
And given the bizarre nature of some regulations in the
UK/EU - like the one prohibiting a wall light switch
inside a bathroom! Priceless! -

Wall light switches aren't prohibited in bathrooms. They must however,
be fitted at a minimum distance from the bath or shower (according to
Zones defined in the IEE Wiring Regulations) and most British
bathrooms aren't big enough for wall switches to be sufficiently far
enough away.

Owain


I wonder what the stats say about bathroom electrocution due ingress of
water/steam into wall switches. Seems to me that playing it more safe using
pullcord switches or the wall lightswitch outside the door would be more
sensible approach especially if children are involved. Mind you I'm
probably biased anyway by experience of electrics in marine conditions where
water/salt gets into the most unlikely places.
Sorry to be a kill joy..better than being dead 'un though ;-)

Mike