>-----Original Message-----
>From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] 
>On Behalf Of William "Chops" Westfield
>Sent: 24 January 2007 05:03
>To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
>Subject: Re: [EE:] Mains outside
>
>
>
>On Jan 22, 2007, at 9:48 AM, Michael Rigby-Jones wrote:
>>
>> people operating switches or plugging in appliances with 
>dripping  wet 
>> hands are at high risk of getting a potentialy fatal shock.
>
>It's interesting how different countries solve the same 
>problem. In the US, bathrooms (new construction, etc) are 
>required to have GFI protection on any outlets.  (Of course 
>the US is 110V vs 220V)
>
>Given the RELATIVELY low incidence of people electrocuting 
>themselves in the bathroom (far lower death rate than auto 
>accidents, for instance, even though presumably EVERYONE uses 
>the bathroom), I think that "high risk" label is a bit 
>overstated, though.

I suspect most people with a reasonable level of intelligence simply don't operate light switches and plug in appliances whilst dripping wet, but there will always be some that don't understand the risk.  I also think that relying on a GFI to make a dangerous situation safer is never going to be as good as removing the dangerous situation in the first place.  I guess that the idea of no power outlets in the bathroom seems inconvienient if you are used to having them but it's just accepted over here.  The only time I have ever needed a power outlet in the bathroom is when doing some work that requires power tools, and an extension lead is perfectly acceptable in this rare situations.

Also remember that the UK has more than double the mains voltage that the USA has, which must increase the risk somewhat.

Mike

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