[HECnet] Number of nodes online a bit low?

On 2015-01-26 18:38, G. wrote: On Mon, 26 Jan 2015 11:40:23 -0500, John Wilson wrote: I just have trouble getting used to the fact that although you *already* run most things at what Americans would consider double voltage, you *still* double the voltage for the big toys (things which we grudgingly whip out the 230 VAC for). But then again, once it's lethal, I suppose it doesn't matter how lethal. And copper costs more than insulation so being able to use wimpier wire for the same wattage is good design. Less loss too. I don't know in other parts of Europe, but here in Italy the usual current rating you get at home with a non-business contract is 3000 watt (i.e. around 13,5 ampere at 220 volt) and wires for appliances up to 1500 watt must have a minimal section of 0,75 square millimeters. Some years ago, around the time when the national electricity company was being privatised, they started a nice commercial campaign in which the main caption was something like "from now on your hair-dryer can make peace with your washing machine" and was about the (almost) free upgrade from 3000 to 4500 watt rating for homes: I don't know elsewhere, but here is quite common to have black-outs at home if you forget to switch off things like the water heater when using the iron and such. It happens even when you have guests (so lots of lights on) and switch on something like the oven to heat some roast. :) The next step is going to 6000 watt, then 10000, but then an electrician must come home and check that your wiring is up to actual safety standards. In Sweden, blackouts at a local level is pretty much unheard of, and blackouts on a regional level is national news. But of course it sometimes happens that you blow a local fuse at home, but it's uncommon enough that you tend to forget about them between the occurrences. It seems they do get old eventually, and blow. That's the time when you need to replace them. The main fuses in my house are 32A for each phase. I could upgrade, but I'd have to pay, since there is a fee based on the size of the main fuses. (But the wiring is good for more.) I then have (I think) four separate 16A 3 phase outlets in the cellar of my house. Of course, if I were to actually utilize all of them fully, I'd blow the main fuse. But I haven't been there yet. :-) Johnny