Water & Electricity Safety: Is it Necessary?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety implications of water and electricity, particularly in the context of a humorous photo depicting a power strip submerged in water. Participants explore whether such a scenario is genuinely dangerous, considering various factors like electrical return paths and circuit protection.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the submerged power strip would likely trip the circuit breaker due to a dead short across the hot and return line.
  • Others argue that the scenario may not be as dangerous as it appears, especially if the circuit is not live or if the pool is insulated.
  • A participant questions the conditions under which a person might be shocked, specifically if there is no neutral and earth connection, proposing that without a return path, shock may not occur.
  • There is curiosity about the origin of the photo and the voltage involved, with some noting that the type of power strip resembles European designs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety of the scenario, with no consensus reached regarding the actual danger posed by the submerged power strip.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention assumptions about the electrical setup, such as the presence of a neutral and earth connection, which remain unresolved. The discussion also lacks specific details about the voltage and the context of the photo.

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hehe, you got to be kidding :biggrin:

Most likely the quickest path of return will be in the power strip, if it's submerged it will just blow the circuit barker.
 
It's always dangerous to have glass bottles at a pool. Duh.
 
This same photo came up in one of the usenet electronics groups a few years ago. After our initial outrage, I think the consensus was that it is a "staged" photo, and the circuit was not live.
 
this doesn't appear to be such a stupid question, althought the pool is made of rubber, therefore insulated the supply is the most likely return path to earth, so u would be killed, but what if the supply was without neutral and earth, just a core in the water would the people be shocked?? I am thinking mayb not as there is no return path for the electricity?
can anyone clarify.
thanks
 
Where was the photo taken and what is the voltage? Where do you find power strips with the prongs in it instead of the cord?
 
what said:
hehe, you got to be kidding :biggrin:

Most likely the quickest path of return will be in the power strip, if it's submerged it will just blow the circuit barker.

I agree with what...it will trip the breaker since there would be a dead short across the hot and return line. I don't see any fault current paths elsewhere.

CS
 
skeptic2 said:
Where was the photo taken and what is the voltage? Where do you find power strips with the prongs in it instead of the cord?

It looks like some European connections I've seen before in power strips. They have two prongs in the plug that stab into the receptacle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Type_C

CS
 

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