I just watched a short video of an American electrician talking about which part of an outlet is which via which part will shock you if you stick a screwdriver in it.
Firstly wtf
Secondly, you guys just have outlets that kids can electrocute themselves with by default?
@NickGates@minnfinn@Bridgemakes so true. another horror story from my childhood that somehow turned out fine: younger brother of a girl in my class tried to unplug a cable from the wall with his teeth and got shocked. he turned out okay tho!
@Anneheathen@NickGates@minnfinn hey at least you guys are free from government interference. You at least have the freedom to electrocute yourself by accident.
@minnfinn@Anneheathen@Bridgemakes@NickGates I will point out modern outlets in the US do have safety items added to them but they are pretty recent and they aren't required except in new construction, even that isn't everywhere.
Newer US plugs have cover that only moves when both prongs (there's only 2 hot + neutral, ground is optional) are inserted. That prevents you from inserting a random object.
But you can still get the uncovered and they are still code many places so...
@Bridgemakes@minnfinn@Anneheathen@NickGates Is now a good time to start listing the amazing number of near miss electrocutions I've had since my early childhood? I feel like I could be here a while if I do...
For context this is how ours work, the top prong is longer than the others and the outlet has the 2 lower outlet höles are covered to prevent kids from sticking things in the live part. When the longer prong goes in the top höle it lowers the shield on the live parts.
Also if you're wondering what the black stuff is, it's insulation to reduce the risk of people getting a shock if the plug is only part way in .
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