alt.energy.renewable

" . Allen" wrote in
news:9KidnQ8hj54d5CHbnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@ :

> Trygve Lillefosse wrote:
>> On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 17:28:57 -0400, "daestrom"
>> wrote:
>>> "Trygve Lillefosse" wrote in message
>>
>>>> In an off grid system, you may need a system to handle surplus
>>>> energy. One possible solution is an outdoor resistance-heater that
>>>> "burns off" the electricity that is not needed.
>>> Stop excess electricity NOW! I've discovered a way to stop all your
>>> excess electricity problems. I've decided to call it, 'a switch'.
>>> For more information....
>>> /
>>
>> Hah.
>>
>> You do not fool me, with a switch there will be a buildup of
>> electricty. Resulting in high pressure and eventualy the wire will
>> burst - spilling electrons all over the floor.
>
> Reminds me of the story about the old lady who insisted on having
> outlet plugs on every socket not in use so the electricity wouldn't
> leak out. I'm sure the many versions of the story I've heard are all
> urban legends, but it wouldn't surprise me if somebody somewhere has
> actually done something like it....
>

That was James Thurber, My Life and Hard Times (1933) -- his most famous
work was the Walter Mitty story, but I remember reading about the leaking
electricity from his book when I was a kid.