Strange english language - was AC Safety Questions

[J. Larry Hendry]

> Christopher Jeris wrote:
> > (apologies to Commonwealth English speakers; `earth' always sounded
> > strange to this particular unwashed Yankee)
> 
> Ingo Debus wrote:
> Isn't the term "PE" (for Protection Earth) used in the US too?

In the midwestern US, the term "ground" is more commonly used to describe
protection earth.  I work in the utility industry.  I rarely hear anyone
use the term earth when making that reference.

I did get a good chuckle from the original intended humor suggesting a good
grip would be necessary when bolting the "planet" Earth to a chassis.  That
certainly provides a good example for understanding another's intended
message rather than taking words too literally.  Here in the USA, something
might be stained if it was "bloody."  To you UK guys, I guess that might be
associated with swearing?  There are even places in the deep south USA
where the term "Yankee" might raise a red flag.

All this is just another reason to try and assume the best possible
intended message when interpreting other's writings.  I read this group
everyday, but rarely contribute as most of you guys are light years ahead
of my electronics knowledge.  However, I have learned a lot and thanks
everyone for the generous way in which they share their knowledge and
circuit ideas.  Most of my electrical knowledge involves terms like
kilovolts and megawatts.  I sure am glad someone had the foresight to
introduce metrics to the measurement of electrical quantities instead of
our strange US measuring standards.   If not, perhaps my neighbor might
want to borrow a quart of electricity.

Sorry to wander off topic.
Larry Hendry