Comment on British plugs

• Devial@discuss.online ⁨16⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

  They are referencing the lack of isolation on the prongs for US plugs. If a US plug isn’t fully inserted, it’s possible for both of the two prongs to form electrical connections with the outlet, whilst not yet being fully inserted.

  This means a small part of the prongs which are now at 110V potential to each other is exposed, and could potentially be touched by a child, or cause a short circuit if an object gets into the gap.

  So yeah, the electrical code in the US for household plugs is just straight unsafe.

  For comparison, on non grounded EU plugs this could also occur. Which is why non grounded EU plugs are required to either have insulation on the upper half of the prongs, or the plug needs to have “shield” that fits into the recessed recepticles we use, thereby blocking access to the prongs.

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• Assassassin@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨16⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

  :) 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.

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  • SolSerkonos@piefed.social ⁨15⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    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.

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    • Assassassin@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨15⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

      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.

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  • Devial@discuss.online ⁨16⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    A GFCI is the same thing as an RCD, they’re just different terms. They both have the same function: detecting leakage current, and isolating the electrical connection as soon as it does.

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    • Assassassin@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨16⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

      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.

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  • MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    just pull the cord to remove things from outlets.

    For those playing along at home: please do not do this.

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• Rhaedas@fedia.io ⁨16⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

  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.

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  • cynar@lemmy.world ⁨14⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    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.

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  • bryndos@fedia.io ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    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.

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