Re: electrical deaths

On Sun, 1 Dec 2024 22:19:34 +0100, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2024-12-01 21:05, Edward Rawde wrote:

"Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote in message
news:f1ru1lxdqh.ln2@Telcontar.valinor...

On 2024-12-01 18:29, Cursitor Doom wrote:

On Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:58:18 -0800, john larkin wrote:
>

On Fri, 29 Nov 2024 01:30:40 +0100, "Carlos E.R."
<robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

 
...
 

Jesus!
>
Yes, I have seen them. On 220 volts. They were used for
transformers, those that had 120 on one side, 220 on the other,
both being female sockets, so you needed a cable with two male
plugs to connect them to the wall.
>
We don't see such transformers anymore, but when I was a kid they
were common, because although most houses were 220 volts, some were
125, so we had gadgets of both voltages.

>
I've seen them used between two houses, when one had the power shut
off.

>
There are thousands of 240VAC to 110VAC transformers in the UK. You
can buy or hire them. They are mandatory for site work. IOW, builders
who need mains power for their drills and saws etc have to use these
transformers for safety reasons.

>
Huh? Why would they want to use their power tools at half the voltage
and at least half the power? Running a 240 volt drill at 110?

 
No, the power tools will be designed for 115V Building sites require
nothing above 60V (the exact number may be 55, not sure) between you
and ground.
So 240V to 120V isolation transformer with secondary centre tapped to
ground.
Public display christmas tree lights may require the same. Nothing
above 60V so you can't get your hand on the open circuit end end of a
string which has 240V on the other end.

 
Ah, it is a building code somewhere. USA? Ah, no, you said UK. Well,
that is a surprise to me. I had no idea.
 
But they are using the two semiphases, so 120 volts tools?

Yes, the tools are designed to run at half the normal mains supply
voltage.

Interesting idea. Wise. Unless some idiot forgets to install the ground
connection because he is on a hurry.

Not possible unless someone deliberately tampers with it.
 

No, here (Spain) we use full voltage (230) at building sites. Some
machines, like the crane, may have the three phases, ie, 300 volts
between phases. Of course, I suppose many workers are using battery
powered tools.

In Spain the ground is usually a *lot* drier than in the UK! I know you
have your 'cold drop' in October, but the rest of the year is generally
pretty dry.