Dandelion

Using the collective wisdom of forum members', could we start a thread along the lines of the Guardian's Notes & Queries, or New Scientist's The Last Word.

Something that has puzzled me for a long time, but have never been able to find out the answer, is this:

When flash floods occur, and the unfortunate people are stood in their front rooms up to their knees in water, why don't they get electrocuted?

After all, a water and electricity mixture is hazardous and in most cases the plug sockets just above the skirting boards are submerged, yet one never hears of anybody dying by electrocution after these floods.

rjd0309

Electricity follows the path of least resisitance.

Much easier (less resistance) for electricity to travel from the "hot" socket terminal, through the water, and directly to the "ground" socket terminal only millimeters away.

Much more resistance would be encountered if the electricity were to travel from the "hot" socket terminal, through many feet of water, then to a human body, and finally to ground.

And anyway, the circuit breakers or fuses would shut off the electricity at the first sign of a short circuit. No chance to be electrocuted then.

The real danger would be if the flash flood were to knock down one of those towers that supported one or more high-voltage transmission lines. An entirely different story, and much more dangerous.

GRAEME

Which was the first mainstream film to feature the F-word? Not an arthouse underground movie or a porno - but something out on general release. And what was the first Brit film to do so, presuming that isn't the same answer?

All men leak.

CaptainWaggett

According to IMDB it's MASH. Dunno about British films but supposedly the Blue Lamp is the first film to use 'bastard' as an insult

Steve Crook

And anyway, mains electricity rarely kills. I used to work in electronics and we all used to get shocks off the mains on most days. It does give you a shock but unless you have a weak heart it won't do much damage.

An electric chair typically has a voltage of at least 10 times that of mains electricity. And even that doesn't always kill people.

Steve

pelam123

"The Guinea Pig" (1948) with Richard Attenborough caused controversy for using the phrase "A Kick up the arse"!

MB

Sorry, that was idiotic, of course they can - they're mammals.

A group of larks is called an exaltation.

mallee59

In the right or wrong conditions all that is needed is 40mA, mains voltage ELCB trips are rated at 30mA and detect excessive leakage to earth or neutral. It also depends on the route of the current, across the body affects the vital organs.
A seasonal note as well, christmas tree lights can easily kill, older versions are a 2 wire system with a 20 lamp @ 12 volt rating or 40 lamps @ 6 volts. So bear in mind that if fault finding on them there is mains voltage present at 230 volts AC. Newer lights or outdoor ones have a step down transformer/supply that reduces the voltage.
Whats black and crinkly and hangs from a light socket?
ex-electrician......

The only problem with having an open mind is that others keep trying to put things in it...

Mr Sloane

I thought it was Marianne Faithfull in I'll Never Forget Whatisname? I have only seen the film on ITV in the70's so it would have been cut anyway, Anyone know for sure ?

torinfan

I thought it was I'll Never Forget What's 'is Name

He brings joy to me.

Dandelion

Thanks to all who posted an answer - I now have a better understanding

batman

IIRC they give the condemned person 3 x 1m jolts of electricity (not sure what the voltage is) and that usually does the trick. However, mishaps and failures have occurred.

"Aha Mr Aubergine ... that's where you're wrong!"

Wicked Lady

I bet The Sweeney were the first to use 'bastard' as a term of endearment, though.

MB

I was nearly electrocuted a few years ago - washing the wall behind a leaking washing machine - a current came through the soaking wet wall (by the plug) and I buzzed on the floor. It was pretty scary - but I came away with nothing but fright. But, obviously, I wouldn't take any risks..

I should add that it wasn't flooded - just a very wet floor - but what I meant was..I imagine that there may be risks during flooding..

GRAEME

I think Special Branch beat them to that...

All men leak.