4 ms·
It's a good subject, but the article neglects that the reason for the fuse is the rather high current "ring main" which was a copper-saving measure. If you don
by mmagin 11y ago
It's a good subject, but the article neglects that the reason for the fuse is the rather high current "ring main" which was a copper-saving measure.
If you don't need the fuse in the plug, the Schuko plug is pretty nice too.
- nrr 11y agoHonestly, as far as mains connectors go, I'm a huge fan of Schuko for two very big reasons: There's no polarization, so you get away from that faux-safety reasoning behind "well, neutral should never be hooked up to a switch" nonsense with non-fixed equipment. This extends too to equipment with faulty designs, like toasters lacking double-pole switches. It should really go without saying that you should always unplug the device from the wall if you intend to service it. In addition, Schuko separates the electrical connection from the mechanical connection. This has the obvious benefit that a failure in either won't become a safety concern. Readers from the US will likely understand why this is huge in the context of things like wall warts. (;
- ackalker 11y agoExactly. The high current, if combined with unevenly split loads, improperly installed or maintained wiring, excessive use of spurs etc. can actually mean a greater risk of (fire) damage due to overload compared to 'star'-like circuits carrying less current per segment. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_circuit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_circuit has some of the gory details.
- lowmagnet 11y agoThe attached video explains the ring main. Also, modern overhead lights in the eu switch with low voltage to the switch, further decreasing risk and copper use as a thinner gauge could be used.