paul packer wrote:
Trevor Wilson wrote:
**Facts are facts. Pretty much most parts of the world have regulations
which make your 'tweak' illegal. Here in Australia (and, I would assume in
every other 220-240VAC nation), the regulations surrounding electrical
equipment is quite clear. Either an item must carry a thrid wire (for
earthing) or the equipment must be double insulated. And the ridiculous
American habit (surely no longer practised) of connecting neutral to chassis
via a large value resistor is absolutely not allowed. In fact, this
nonsensical idea is the major cause of hum problems.

Probably a stupid question, Trevor, but why are there different
voltages in different countries? If the US can power its appliances
quite happily with 110V and enjoy a much lower risk of electrocution,
why do we have 240V?

You can deliver more power through thinner wire.

ScottW