In article ,
Andrew Rossmann wrote:
But is the 230V in Europe relative to a neutral? In the US/Canada,
240V is typically two 120V lines 180 deg. out of phase with each other.
There could be safety issues if the toaster has some sort of polarized
plug and assumes one line is a near-ground neutral.

In the UK all standard plugs are polarised. And neutral is at ground
potential. But you'd not allow any equipment that relied on neutral being
the same as earth these days - too risky.

--
*Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.