As far as using three pin plugs at home is concerned all i have done is change the little plastic facing plate (not the main one, but the one in the middle of the main one) to a three pin socket as the gubbins behind has always allowed for it, hey presto problem gone away. Not sure if it actually earthed or not though to be honest, just assumed it was.
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Originally posted by Ryan P.: I am an electrical engineer (well, kind of)[…]
These shocks will not kill you, as at the most they will be half of the max voltage which ends up being 55v but usually less then this.
What you may not have learned in your electrical engineering course is that just because 110V (or 55V to ground for that matter) goes into an appliance, does not mean it stays that way.
For example: In a color television it is coverted to 25,000V DC at significant current. This will kill you very effectively or leave you with memorable burns if it manages to get out.
Direct current (DC) used internally in some equipment can also be very dangerous. In AC shocks you tend to be ‘thrown’. DC shocks will cause you to freeze, prolonging exposure.
Switching power supplies used in computers and other devices also generate very high internal voltages at high currents. If these contact unearthed chassis and you touch it, you can only hope luck or god is on your side. Even ‘double insulated models’ (like laptop power supplies) are often provided with grounds by the manufacturers.
Perhaps before you go online trying to convince people you know what you are talking about, you should revise your textbooks?
The correct advice should be: Do not remove the earth from appliances unless you understand what you are doing and want to be responsible for your actions… outcomes run the gamut from annoying radio interference, damage to the equipment or equipment it is connected to, fire, injury or death to self, others, kids, pets, wildlife…
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Originally posted by NeillM: Not sure if it actually earthed or not though to be honest, just assumed it was.
It is easy to test with the correct equipment, and may be wise to do so. B & Q and other electrical stores sell little things you can plug into the socket that light up lamps to show if it is okay or not. Otherwise seek a qualified person to help.
In electrical engineering terms: A saftey ground should be able to sustain enough current for long enough to blow the safety protection fuse or trip circuit breakers.
Yeah, its such a cheap thing to implement. Probably like 4 minutes extra of wiring, NT$50 of bulk wire and connecters, and thats it. But after reading that nuclear fuel rod story I won’t be surprised by any Taiwan public safety story.
BTW, AC is what seizes your muscles and DC is what jerks them.