On Fri, 12 Aug 2005 19:28:07 +0100,it is alleged that "Dave Plowman
(News)" spake thusly in uk.d-i-y:

I am sure Jim will come back with answers on this, but from my
knowledge the answers are as follows:

[snip]

Err, please explain this. If you have a 10 amp socket (for example) the
radial must be protected by a 10 amp MCB, etc. If you have more than one
10 amp socket, then either the radial will trip if you try to load both to
10 amps, or a 20 amp MCB and wiring would allow a 10 amp socket to be
overloaded by your resident idiot.

Usually US outlets are 15A rated on a 15 or 20A circuit, (A 20A
circuit MUST contain more than one outlet). The average varies
depending on age of the property, but is probably 4-5 outlets + a
light or 2 per circuit.

Diversity means breaker trips are relatively rare, much as with a UK
ring, only on a smaller scale.

[snip]


As a minimum a socket is required to be within 6 feet horizontally of
everyplace along a wall in residential rooms. Above the kitchen work
tops in is 2 feet.

So just how many ways does the average US CU or whatever contain?


Current NEC requirements specify a maximum of 42 ways (the panel is
usually around 18" by 2'6"). Canadian codes allow for 42 ways in a
lighting and general power panel.

Older 60 or 100 amp services may have as few as 12 ways.

[snip]

Certainly the US system is in no way idiot proof, it contains more
shortcomings than the UK system in respect of potential overloads
through abuse, and it is also simpler to abuse (no chunks of 6" nail
required). However (Just IMHO) when abused, the UK system is more
capable of damage due to the higher power levels available, 32A @ 230v
as opposed to 20A @ 120v, both however are more than capable of
starting a fire.

--
Life is a whim of several billion cells to be you for a while.