3 ms·
As a layperson, electricity is one of those things that seems really complex and dangerous to mess with. But we've managed to abstract it down to "plug this cab
by BitwiseFool 4y ago
As a layperson, electricity is one of those things that seems really complex and dangerous to mess with. But we've managed to abstract it down to "plug this cable into a socket" or "flip a switch". I remember doing the V = IR calculations in highschool, the difference between alternating and direct currents, as well as the relationship between volts and amperes.
While fascinating, none of that translated to real world working knowledge. In fact I was greatly surprised to learn about how my outlets are actually wired when I had to get my home's electrical panel replaced. Turns out, swapping electrical outlets and switches is actually really easy, but I only felt confidence once I had an electrician show me. Otherwise I would still be too worried about burning my house down
- plonk 4y agoWe spent hours calculating the impedance and current and resistance and whatever in dozens of complicated circuits in undergrad, and I can't tell you how a basic home electrical installation works. File that under "things that everybody should know but school doesn't want to teach".
- whatshisface 4y agoIt's not just knowing how to do it, it's actually doing it right that counts. That's something nobody can guarantee, but experience (and professional insurance) can help with.