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VK5QX > INFO 24.07.02 05:22l 112 Lines 4317 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 240290VK5QX
Read: DB0FHN GUEST
Subj: Re: Re. G6KUI, Plugs Sockets etc.
Path: DB0FHN<DB0ZWI<DB0HOT<DB0MRW<OK0PPL<OK0NAG<9A0BBS<VK6BBS<VK6HGR<VK3AVE<
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Sent: 020723/1407Z @:VK5LZ.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC #:39842 [Elizabeth] $:240290VK5QX
From: VK5QX@VK5LZ.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC
To : INFO@WW
LITTLE DIFFERENCES
Harry M1BYT said, in reply to one of my bulletins:-
_______________
" Down for on is the standard here in the UK, but there are certain
exceptions. The two way switch can be confusingly on either way and
often the switches for high power/voltage as used in sub-stations could
be down for on. (sic)
Incidently (sic) some of the higher current switches are wind up jobs. You
wind up a mechanical spring then press a button to make/break the
contacts. The faster the switching, the less arcing and contact burn it
produces.
I don't know if it is still the case, but it used to be a requirement
that wall sockets in the kitchen had to be provided with switches,
whereas for sockets in other locations the switch was optional. "
_______________
It is certainly interesting to note the various differences when one
travels widely. In fact, I find these "little" differences to be one of
the more fascinating aspects of travel.
Such things can range from the way postal "mail" is distributed to the
direction switches operate.
I certainly am aware of the matter of "two way" switches both here and in
the U.K.
Where circuit breakers are concerned there does not seem to me to be a
right or wrong way. This also appears to be the case regarding the higher
power iron clad switches.
One other thing that I did notice in the U.K. is that in bathrooms wall
switches are apparently not allowed. If a switch, such as for a light, is
required it seems that it must be installed on a wall OUTSIDE the
bathroom.
Alternatively, I gather that the switch can be installed inside the
bathroom but only as a ceiling mounted fitting with a cord-pull for
operation.
I can only put this apparent requirement down to the fact that the U.K.
has a fairly damp climate and such a rule is seen as providing greater
safety.
As far as I am aware, there are no such barriers to wall mounted switches,
and even power outlets, in bathrooms here in Australia where we have a
much drier climate in comparison to the U.K.
In our bathroom we have 4 WALL MOUNTED switches.
Firstly there is a switch for a normal single light.
Next, there is an escutcheon surrounding switches (2) which control two
separate pairs of "heat" lamps, and an additional switch for another
single light. (These were fitted as a composite installation subsequent to
the aforementioned normal single light.)
There is also a fifth switch which is for an extraction fan, this one
being ceiling mounted with a cord-pull. This method of installation was
used simply as providing an expedient way to route the wiring to the
ceiling mounted extraction fan.
__________
Again referring to "little differences" I could mention the variations I
have noted in connection with the flushing systems for toilets.
Those in the USA seem to be designed such that there appears to be a
danger of various parts dangling in the water. The flushing action seems
to be fairly slow with an interesting swirling motion which causes
everything in the bowl to rotate in a somewhat spectacular fashion before
disappearing from view.
As against the USA approach, I have had an American friend somewhat
concerned (frightened) that, when he flushes here in Australia it seems as
if he is likely to be sucked down the hole together with everything else.
The versions used in the U.K. are much the same as used here in Australia.
The use of buttons or chains as a means of operation seems to vary
according to the age of the particular installations. Bathroom fittings,
faucets, taps etc. in the USA seem to be far more varied than I have seen
in other countries.
Just to note one other specific difference when travelling in other
countries;
I never did feel particularly comfortable in those places where the
"public" toilets provided only a short piece of hose attached to a water
tap. Not a single piece of paper in sight (!!!) and sometimes only a hole
in the ground or floor. Positions for suitable foot placement were
sometimes provided.
Installations in aircraft seem to be fairly well standardised, however the
extreme (high speed) rushing sound of air throughout the system could be
slightly unnerving.
Regards,
Ian
__________
73 de Ian, VK5QX
@ VK5LZ.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC
23 July 2002
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