One feature of UK plugs I really like is the built in warding of the live/neutral slots. The ground prong is longer to allow for the mechanism to unlock the hot slot when inserted. It’s essentially a built in childproofing.
Perhaps it could be revised by adding two unearthed Europlug round-pin sockets below the broad pins, though within a recess shaped like the thin European plugs to prevent the connection of earthed plugs, and declaring Europlug to be a British standard for unearthed mains, for use with devices not requiring earthing. Not sure if the geometry would work out, though.
So how does it work in the US then? Is there a law that everything needs to be isolated very well, no metal shells allowed or people just getting electrocuted from time to time
An actual answer: you very quickly learn to pull in a way that prevents your fingers from slipping onto the prongs, or you just pull the cord to remove things from outlets. That creates its own long term problems, but most people don’t really give a shit because the US is built off cheap plastic shit that you simply replace when it breaks.
That being said, I’ve received like 5 or 6 good hits of the 110v wake up due to the eccentricities of the US plug. It hurts like a bitch, but probably won’t kill you if you don’t have a pace maker and aren’t grabbing something grounded with the other hand.
We also only use GFCI in the bathroom and kitchen and don’t use RCD breakers. It’s honestly astonishing that the US electrical system doesn’t kill more people.
An actual answer: you very quickly learn to pull in a way that prevents your fingers from slipping onto the prongs
…Do you, though? Because this thread is the first time I’ve considered this as a problem- which I agree it could be better designed in general but especially for child safety purposes- and I’ve been around American plugs my entire life. I’ve never been shocked, unless we’re counting the time I grabbed an electric fence because I was an idiot teenager being goaded by other idiot teenagers.
You just… grab the plug by the plug part? It doesn’t really require any kind of special technique to not touch the metal bits. Maybe I just have big hands? Realistically, I probably couldn’t fit between the wall and the plug while it was still inserted enough to be live.
I also have big hands, but some plug designs are so low profile that if they are plugged into a particularly tight receptacle, you can’t get good leverage to remove them. You get the plug partially out, then try to reposition your grip to pull it the rest of the way or you grab it too far forward and your fingers slip while squeezing, and BAM, zapped.
Power strips are the biggest culprit for this one, since your fingers can end up on the seam between cord and strip and more easily slip under when unplugging.
I am aware, but GFCI is the common term in the US, especially for outlets. RCD is used most other places. I was trying to keep the terminology consistent to what would be expected regionally.
Never considered that Europeans don’t know the wonderful sensation of 110v. It can vary from a slight tingle (it’s not even tingle, but I can’t describe it) to a “holy shit” moment that throws you back, depending on how and where you touched it and how much current flows. The great thing about A/C is the cycle, unlike a DC current which can lock your muscles and keep you from letting go.
Many European electricians - and plenty of non-electrician idiots like me - will have had 240vac shocks, which are probably similar just a bit more nippy and will get worse faster than 110vac. I think the human body is also a weird electrical resistor that goes down with voltage.
I’d not describe it as ‘wonderful’ or a ‘slight tingle’. It’s a pretty fierce bite. shocking is the word I’d use.
I’d think if I’d had a few and got used to it, or if i knew it was coming maybe i’d downplay that a bit. But i’ve tightened up my unplugging process now (dayglow tape) to be sure i’ve unplugged the right plug. It was enough to know I don’t want another unexpected 240vac zap.
I’d be pretty east to wrap 2 loops and 1 . . . no , leave that to electroboom.
I would be mildly annoyed at 110v in easy reach with metal with out an isolation switch.
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One feature of UK plugs I really like is the built in warding of the live/neutral slots. The ground prong is longer to allow for the mechanism to unlock the hot slot when inserted. It’s essentially a built in childproofing.
Removed by mod
Perhaps it could be revised by adding two unearthed Europlug round-pin sockets below the broad pins, though within a recess shaped like the thin European plugs to prevent the connection of earthed plugs, and declaring Europlug to be a British standard for unearthed mains, for use with devices not requiring earthing. Not sure if the geometry would work out, though.
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Yeah, I think brits and other europeans can generally agree on american plugs
So how does it work in the US then? Is there a law that everything needs to be isolated very well, no metal shells allowed or people just getting electrocuted from time to time
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:) only the strong survive.
An actual answer: you very quickly learn to pull in a way that prevents your fingers from slipping onto the prongs, or you just pull the cord to remove things from outlets. That creates its own long term problems, but most people don’t really give a shit because the US is built off cheap plastic shit that you simply replace when it breaks.
That being said, I’ve received like 5 or 6 good hits of the 110v wake up due to the eccentricities of the US plug. It hurts like a bitch, but probably won’t kill you if you don’t have a pace maker and aren’t grabbing something grounded with the other hand.
We also only use GFCI in the bathroom and kitchen and don’t use RCD breakers. It’s honestly astonishing that the US electrical system doesn’t kill more people.
…Do you, though? Because this thread is the first time I’ve considered this as a problem- which I agree it could be better designed in general but especially for child safety purposes- and I’ve been around American plugs my entire life. I’ve never been shocked, unless we’re counting the time I grabbed an electric fence because I was an idiot teenager being goaded by other idiot teenagers.
You just… grab the plug by the plug part? It doesn’t really require any kind of special technique to not touch the metal bits. Maybe I just have big hands? Realistically, I probably couldn’t fit between the wall and the plug while it was still inserted enough to be live.
I also have big hands, but some plug designs are so low profile that if they are plugged into a particularly tight receptacle, you can’t get good leverage to remove them. You get the plug partially out, then try to reposition your grip to pull it the rest of the way or you grab it too far forward and your fingers slip while squeezing, and BAM, zapped.
Power strips are the biggest culprit for this one, since your fingers can end up on the seam between cord and strip and more easily slip under when unplugging.
Removed by mod
I am aware, but GFCI is the common term in the US, especially for outlets. RCD is used most other places. I was trying to keep the terminology consistent to what would be expected regionally.
For those playing along at home: please do not do this.
Never considered that Europeans don’t know the wonderful sensation of 110v. It can vary from a slight tingle (it’s not even tingle, but I can’t describe it) to a “holy shit” moment that throws you back, depending on how and where you touched it and how much current flows. The great thing about A/C is the cycle, unlike a DC current which can lock your muscles and keep you from letting go.
I’ve taken a 240VAC hit a few times. That will definitely wake you up.
Interestingly, the only times it has happened have been when I’ve been abusing the wiring. Never via a plug etc.
Many European electricians - and plenty of non-electrician idiots like me - will have had 240vac shocks, which are probably similar just a bit more nippy and will get worse faster than 110vac. I think the human body is also a weird electrical resistor that goes down with voltage.
I’d not describe it as ‘wonderful’ or a ‘slight tingle’. It’s a pretty fierce bite. shocking is the word I’d use.
I’d think if I’d had a few and got used to it, or if i knew it was coming maybe i’d downplay that a bit. But i’ve tightened up my unplugging process now (dayglow tape) to be sure i’ve unplugged the right plug. It was enough to know I don’t want another unexpected 240vac zap.
I’d be pretty east to wrap 2 loops and 1 . . . no , leave that to electroboom.