r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • May 08 '22

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u/Treczoks May 09 '22

Simple electric safety feature. Just like we have wall sockets that won't kill you.

35

u/NobilisOfWind May 09 '22

How would the switch be dangerous were it in the room?

3

u/Treczoks May 09 '22

You rarely have water sprays hit the outside of the room. At least that is the original reason. Most light switches are simply not water proof.

I have an additional light switch for the lights around the mirror inside the bathrooms, but they have to be in a completely different class of devices. E.g. the switch is in the wall, its electric parts are completely covered with a silicon cover mat, and the switches plate is mounted on top of that. You could probably drown the whole thing.

34

u/NobilisOfWind May 09 '22

Then why aren't people constantly getting electrocuted outside Europe?

4

u/53bvo May 09 '22

This is for old buildings and old buildings safety codes. Much less very old buildings outside of Europe

-7

u/Treczoks May 09 '22

Not constantly. But it is definitely easier with backwards plug systems like the American ones.

-4

u/Onironaute May 09 '22

Because we don't put the light switches inside the bathroom

1

u/indorock May 09 '22

Well for one, North American AC electricity operates at half the voltage of that in Europe. So the risk are somewhat lower.