General > General Technical Chat
Grumpy rant #783
mansaxel:
--- Quote from: TimFox on October 05, 2023, 07:44:59 pm ---In this context, "polarization" refers to non-interchange of Line and Neutral power connections.
In the US, the NEMA 5-15 series uses a wider flat blade for Neutral than the flat blade used for Line: this is a useful requirement, but I have seen badly-installed sockets where that was violated.
--- End quote ---
"The only wise move is to regard the two pins as equally dangerous and untouchable. All other moves are loser moves. "
mansaxel:
--- Quote from: AVGresponding on October 05, 2023, 07:46:03 pm ---Not quite; neutral in the UK is at earth potential (or should be...), the phase alternates between positive and negative wrt this. Still a bad idea to touch it of course, for numerous reasons.
--- End quote ---
"The only wise move is to regard the two pins as equally dangerous and untouchable. All other moves are loser moves."
mansaxel:
--- Quote from: themadhippy on October 05, 2023, 08:01:51 pm ---
--- Quote ---So anything designed in a way that relies on/requires polarization of the plug would be unsafe
--- End quote ---
edison screw lamp bases
--- End quote ---
Not on the continent, where they are insulated and safe to touch. Or forbidden.
TimFox:
Knowing of this potential problem, I checked all my outlets at home with a cheap three-pin, three-bulb tester to ensure:
1. Line (narrow) and Neutral (wide) are not interchanged.
2. Ground/PE is connected properly.
https://www.amazon.com/Receptacle-Tester-Klein-Tools-RT110/dp/B01AKX3AYE/ref=asc_df_B01AKX3AYE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309778489815&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15379320970737851598&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021749&hvtargid=pla-571548716375&psc=1
ejeffrey:
--- Quote from: wraper on October 05, 2023, 06:35:55 pm ---
--- Quote from: SiliconWizard on October 05, 2023, 06:28:31 pm ---USB-C PD will keep being revised just like any other previous standards, so that if you made that part of home mains installations, that would become "obsolete" (at least in the sense of not being able to provide as much power as the more recent revisions, thus being unusable with some potential newer devices) over time anyway.
--- End quote ---
While it likely will be revised, current standard is good enough for most of things and is quite future proof if manufacturers do backwards capability properly.
--- Quote ---OTOH again, anyone who wants USB-C PD ports in some wall sockets can install them for a relatively reasonable cost, then it is their decision and their responsibility.
--- End quote ---
If there is any socket that can supply 240W according to current standard, IMHO it should be capable charging anything in foreseeable future.
--- End quote ---
Adding a 240W USB-PD charger to most or all outlets (which is what "making it standard" would presumably mean) would be expensive and provide little value to most people. Also, I've never seen outlets available with more than about 30W. I'm not sure how practical it is to put a 240W supply into a wall outlet box. But anyone can go buy the lower powered units at home depot an install them where you want them in a few minutes. I'm not a fan for home use, but if people like it, that's great. No need to adopt any new standard, it already exists.
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