So is the problem solved by not plugging it into a powered wall plug? Just like… flick the switch off, like you would a light switch before changing a bulb?
Wait really? I don’t think I have a single unswitched plug in my house, and I’ve never seen another house with even a single unswitched plug. Do US people need to unplug cords to get rid of standby lights?
Behold the typical North American duplex power outlet. They typically do not have a built in switch. They might be controlled by a light switch, so you can throw a switch near the door and have the floor lamps turn on but most are always hot.
Technically yes, as do those switches internally, but if the device you’re plugging in is switched off or pulls a very small load it won’t be much. If you’re plugging in an air conditioner or something that’s going to present a big inductive load, and it is switched on so it will get power the instant it plugs in, yeah you might see a little flash of light. make sure such things are switched off before plugging them in.
Yes, but if someone trips over the cord there is a 50% chance the wrong side comes unplugged and potentially kills them, hence why they don’t make these cords
So is the problem solved by not plugging it into a powered wall plug? Just like… flick the switch off, like you would a light switch before changing a bulb?
Most American outlets aren’t switched. They can be but most aren’t. If you’re really paranoid you can throw the breaker at the panel.
Wait really? I don’t think I have a single unswitched plug in my house, and I’ve never seen another house with even a single unswitched plug. Do US people need to unplug cords to get rid of standby lights?
Behold the typical North American duplex power outlet. They typically do not have a built in switch. They might be controlled by a light switch, so you can throw a switch near the door and have the floor lamps turn on but most are always hot.
That’s Australia’s.
Because of the no switch, does US plugs spark a lot when getting plugged in?
Technically yes, as do those switches internally, but if the device you’re plugging in is switched off or pulls a very small load it won’t be much. If you’re plugging in an air conditioner or something that’s going to present a big inductive load, and it is switched on so it will get power the instant it plugs in, yeah you might see a little flash of light. make sure such things are switched off before plugging them in.
Yes, but if someone trips over the cord there is a 50% chance the wrong side comes unplugged and potentially kills them, hence why they don’t make these cords
The solution is pulling down your Christmas lights and hanging them back up the right way.