If properly installed (and there is plenty of guidance in the form of 
building codes) , the high voltage should not be an issue. If there 
isn't a local code that applies, use most any current one you can put 
your eyes on.Here in the USA, outdoor and outlets withing arm's reach of 
a water faucet (kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, etc.) must be GFCI 
(Ground fault circuit interupter) that monitors the outgoing and 
incoming current, if there is an imbalance, the circuit is opened 
quickly. They come both in the panel box breaker, wall box outlet, and 
extension cord varieties for contractors (Required by OSHA (national 
worked safety laws). These are better today, but I have one 120 volt 20 
amp in 200' of underground plastic conduit, when lightning strikes 
within a mile or so, the breaker opens.

As pointed out, lower voltage, more amperage >> bigger copper wire, more 
expensive, harder to work with, etc.
KISS >> no transformers, if appropriate add a GFCI breaker.

Michael Rigby-Jones wrote:
>   
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] 
>> On Behalf Of Gerhard Fiedler
>> Sent: 22 January 2007 12:16
>> To: piclist@mit.edu
>> Subject: Re: [EE:] Mains outside
>>
>>
>> Jinx wrote:
>>
>>     
>>>> What about stepping down to 24VAC or 48v if you have such 
>>>> transformers and stepping up to 230V outside
>>>>         
>>> Yes, that would be an option to consider for safe transport of the 
>>> energy at least
>>>       
>> I don't really see what's so much more dangerous outside than 
>> in the bathroom. Other than for the cable, other isolators, 
>> outlets getting exposed to the weather and deteriorate, which 
>> has already been addressed and can be handled (conduits etc). 
>> Usually I'd say it's a less dangerous environment than the bathroom.
>>     
>
> In the UK at least, the only power outlets allowed in bathrooms are shaver sockets which have a small isolation transformer built into them.
>
> Outside you are much more likely to be well grounded by standing on e.g. grass or soil, contact with non-isolated 240v in this case is more likely to cause terminal health problems.
>
> Regards
>
> Mike
>
> =======================================================================
> This e-mail is intended for the person it is addressed to only. The
> information contained in it may be confidential and/or protected by
> law. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you must
> not make any use of this information, or copy or show it to any
> person. Please contact us immediately to tell us that you have
> received this e-mail, and return the original to us. Any use,
> forwarding, printing or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.
> No part of this message can be considered a request for goods or
> services.
> =======================================================================
>
>   
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist