31-03-2013, 11:21 AM
(31-03-2013, 12:55 AM)Joe Wrote: Interesting to see the up-side-down mains switches on things so old.
- Joe
Yes, on/off switches that are mounted 'upside-down' is the U.S.A. way of mounting switches - as I'm sure you are aware. And that makes we question was this item primarily aimed at the U.S.A. market?
As I understand it, the 'upside-down' arrangement is favoured on the grounds that if you drop something - or your hand inadvertently falls down - and strikes the switch lever, it will then switch the unit off, which to me makes good sense.
Having said that, though, I've never been able to see the logic of the U.S.A.'s colour coding for their mains cables: black for line and white for neutral. To almost everyone, everywhere who knows even a little about electrics, black is usually regarded as 0v. or possibly 'earth'. So, if someone here can advance a theory to explain that choice, I'd be interested to read it - and thus learn.
Al. / March 31 //
