3DSonics wrote:

Enquiry submitted to the Health & Safety Executive by email

http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/ask.htm

Dear Sirs

Please could you tell me if it safe to use co-axial satellite cable as a replacement for a standard electrical mains lead for connecting my hi-fi equipment to the mains supply?

I've been told it is safe provided I follow the instructions carefully given on this website.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/mains_e.html

Many thanks for your help

Reply received:

No Richard you should not use co-axial satellite cable of the sort described to connect your audio equipment to the mains supply. This is unsafe practice. If your mains lead needs replacing you should it replace with the same type of lead that was supplied with the equipment. These can be purchased from high street electrical retailers.

If you are in any further doubt you can consult a qualified electrician for advice. Telephone numbers can be found in the yellow pages. Also we have a free booklet INDG231 Electrical Safety and You that can be downloaded from the HSE website which may be helpful.

Thank you for your enquiry.

No doubt you will continue to insist you are right Thorsten and the HSE are wrong. Either way be it on your conscience if someone has injured themselves as a result of your article; no matter what you think disclaimers written in red do not absolve you of this responsibility.