Electrical Danger Down Under

The guy's obviously never come across an electrode heater before (a simpler version - a block of wood with two nails connected to L&N used to be known as an 'electrician's kettle'). AFAIK it doesn't rely on the electrolysis effect for heating at all.

There are actually lots of common electrical things that wouldn't get past modern safety standards if they were invented today - lampholders (live contacts when lamp removed) and toasters (completely bare elements, easily touched) for example. Familiarity with the hazards and a bit of common sense usually succeed in keeping people safe.

For those used to such devices the same is probably true - why would you put your fingers into potentially boiling water or directly handle the 'hot end' of a heater?

I hate to think what he's make of the electrode heater shower heads.

    - Andy.

The guy's obviously never come across an electrode heater before (a simpler version - a block of wood with two nails connected to L&N used to be known as an 'electrician's kettle'). AFAIK it doesn't rely on the electrolysis effect for heating at all.

There are actually lots of common electrical things that wouldn't get past modern safety standards if they were invented today - lampholders (live contacts when lamp removed) and toasters (completely bare elements, easily touched) for example. Familiarity with the hazards and a bit of common sense usually succeed in keeping people safe.

For those used to such devices the same is probably true - why would you put your fingers into potentially boiling water or directly handle the 'hot end' of a heater?

I hate to think what he's make of the electrode heater shower heads.

    - Andy.

AJJewsbury said:

toasters (completely bare elements, easily touched)

Anybody who is stupid enough to poke his or her fingers into a toaster which is toasting gets what he or she deserves!

True, but some people believe a burn is the only risk, and that a metal fork is therefore OK, That can and does end badly.

Others believe that the toaster is safe when  not toasting, not knowing or understanding that the single pole internal switch might be in the neutral, or indeed if overseas that the appliance might be used on a supply with BOTH poles live.