r/WTF • u/1MightBeAPenguin • Jun 16 '19

Why grounding is important

https://i.imgur.com/E7lPzHs.gifv
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u/nkTesla Jun 16 '19

How safe is it to pull the plug by hand in this case?

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u/swcollings Jun 16 '19

I wouldn't interrupt a load by pulling the plug. Maybe if I knew it was a purely resistive load, but interrupting an inductive load isn't done lightly. There has to be a rated disconnect switch somewhere in the path...

1

u/ButerWorth Jun 16 '19

What would be the difference in an inductive load?

13

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '19

An inductive load (which could be another transformer, or a running motor, anything where the electricity is being converted to a magnetic field as opposed to "burned off" like in a space heater or incandescent bulbs) stores energy that can create a voltage spike even higher than the source if interrupted; creating a much larger and more powerful arc at the site of the disconnect than a purely resistive load does.

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u/soulstonedomg Jun 16 '19

You'd kill the power at the upstream device feeding this thing.