Why shouldn't I pull the plug?
May 28th 2010, 7:10 am
#31
WTF?
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Homeostasis
Posts: 79,449
Re: Why shouldn't I pull the plug?
Well, you started it with GFCI, so you're on shaky ground criticising my RCD (Residual Current Device). 
Most houses in the UK that don't have shitty wiring do have them - the reason you haven't seen them is that they're typically located in the main Consumer Unit (fuse box to you) either as standalone RCDs or as RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overload - an RCD combined with an MCB - Miniature Circuit Breaker).
In contrast, in the US they're typically incorporated into the socket, because the electricity supply is shit and the frequent wild fluctuations cause too many false trips if they're in the CU.
One good reason to pull out the plugs, here, is the prevalence of unswitched sockets. Or outlets, as they call them.
Most houses in the UK that don't have shitty wiring do have them - the reason you haven't seen them is that they're typically located in the main Consumer Unit (fuse box to you) either as standalone RCDs or as RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overload - an RCD combined with an MCB - Miniature Circuit Breaker).
In contrast, in the US they're typically incorporated into the socket, because the electricity supply is shit and the frequent wild fluctuations cause too many false trips if they're in the CU.
One good reason to pull out the plugs, here, is the prevalence of unswitched sockets. Or outlets, as they call them.
and we have a fair number of power cuts.
May 28th 2010, 9:53 am
#39
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2004
Location: 30°16'29" North 097°44'26" West
Posts: 22,151
May 28th 2010, 10:40 am
#41
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
That reminds me of last week's Criminal Minds episode. I don't know why but I thought that episode was particularly scary.
May 28th 2010, 3:17 pm
#43
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,270
Re: Why shouldn't I pull the plug?
I'm sure there are upsides and downsides to both...however, i will say this, at least here we have outlets in the bathrooms...and the light switches...tell me that aint convenient...
Its a wonderful thing having GFCI circuits...will the old country ever catch on to that...
Its a wonderful thing having GFCI circuits...will the old country ever catch on to that...
And yes - light switches in bathrooms are what God intended, no question.
May 28th 2010, 3:43 pm
#44
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,176
Re: Why shouldn't I pull the plug?
And light switches, had those in the UK, well the rope pulls...don't want to be touching electricals with wet hands and all....well....
