alt.energy.renewable

On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:17:51 -0500, z wrote:

>" . 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.

Yup!

See: /pg/05128/

During the late 1930's, I recall my grandfather, a physician/surgeon
who had a keen grasp of the sciences, trying to explain to my
grandmother that there was no leaking of electricity in our home and
that she didn't need to take the steps - I don't recall those steps -
she was using to prevent leaks. I clearly remember her response,
"Better safe than sorry." Sort of like the issues in Homeland Security
stuff these days.

Donn