You're not totally wrong, but you're looking at things much differently. All
of us here have seen and heard where house fires were started by overloaded
outlets, especially where the person (or tenant) did not understand about
electrical current. One hundred devices would not overload a circuit UNLESS
a certain number were actually in operation. A constant 12 amp current draw
might start a fire in a given extension cord, especially because these type
items are often manufactured substandard these days.

In the UK, each device may be limited to 13 amps, but that's no assurance
that several devices operating within their limits would not overload a
given outlet strip. One cannot absolutely trust a circuit breaker. Fuses can
be mislabeled or defeated.

Also, where there's current-flow, any contact resistance generates HEAT. A
loose plug or socket can be frying inside a wall outlet or outlet strip,
even with moderate current flow. If for example, no one were home to see or
smell it, or if a person with disabilities could not correct the situation,
one could return home to a charred pile of rubble.

Once again, we're talking about an unknowledgeable tenant. A friend of mine
had major damage to a rental property because his tenants were stupid this
way.


Mark Z.

"w_tom" wrote in message
...
Even in the UK, things that could cause electronic failure
as posted still apply. Need for computer and printer to share
same safety ground. Need for the AC mains to be properly
earthed. Fact remains - overloaded wall receptacles still do
not cause electronic damage. Even if the tenant had to many
appliances on a wall receptacle, that still does not explain
electronics damage. No matter what size fuses were in his UK
power plugs, electronic failure would not and should not be
created. Fuses do not stop or permit electronic damage. The
tenant complained of electronics failures. The landlord
provided no information that explains that damage.

NSM wrote:
This is the UK. Cable sizes are quoted in square mm (probably 2.5
mm^2). Plugs are the UK square pin style with fuses internally.

NM