[Boatanchors] Storm Damage to Electronics

[Geoff Roberts]

After reading all this, I think I'm happy we have plain vanilla 240vac 50h
Single phase house current here.   That allows 2400w (10A) at a domestic
three pin outlet and will run anything up to and including clothes dryers.
You can get a special outlet installed to allow heavier stuff (air
conditioners mostly) to draw up to 15A at 240VAC but it's still single
phase.  I've never seen a two phase anything and 3 phase is only for very
heavy stuff, big motors and heavy duty welders etc, rarely seen in domestic
situations.   And the earth and neutral are ALWAYS required even to light
fittings.  Double insulated appliances (no earth) are ok, but anything with
metal cases etc must be grounded and any new or refurbished installations or
meter boards must have a 'Safety Switch' to cut off power if there is more
than around 30ma of current difference between active and neutral, which
would indicate a current going to ground somewhere (possibly through a
person).

 

Geoff in Oz

VK5GDR