Greenie back down on AC supplies

I would have thought it was the move to switchmode supplies, rather than transformer type supplies. Cost of copper is gradually increasing, and will surpass the cost of silicon based circuits (if it hasn't already), especially when they can bring the size of the transformer down because of this.

That aside, I'm wondering how long el-cheapo transformer supplies from china will last before everyone has stolen any copper that isn't bolted down, charged with transmission line voltage, or being protected under guard.

If that isn't happening already (well, it is in some parts of the world) it'll happen eventually.

--
Linux Registered User # 302622

It is already happening here. A friend is a local electrician, and with the recent building boom, had got a job wiring up a large number of houses being built on a new estate. They were there for some days, installing the fixed wiring in dozens of homes. The following Monday they got a call from an irate developer "why isnt the wiring installed plasterers are here and it isnt done"

Turned out that the whole lot had been stripped out, along with all copper pipe, presumably to sell to scrap dealers.

Has been going on in former USSR in the past, actually saw them removing high voltage power line one night on a movie on SBS. They waited for power rationing time of day (when power was turned off) - climbed up cut it and pulled it down.

Moral of the story - leave the lines energised ;)

More brave than I would be.

It is great news, but considering the new government seems to embrace "green" ideas, we can expect a LOT worse things (environmental) on the horizon compared to the previous government who didn't do much on green issues.

Especially once the "crackpot" and "radical" greens get started, and now have a sympathetic ear

"kreed"

** High voltage power distribution cables are made from aluminium - reinforced with a steel core.

The ratio of resistance to weight is much better than copper.

....... Phil

"kreed"

** The impending fiasco that will result from attempting to ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs will be high entertainment to watch.

For anyone who has no caught up with this piece of prime greenie insanity - see:

...... Phil

A public official in Sao Paulo, Brazil told me of an incident, somewhat related. In that country all of the big cities have neighbourhoods where squatters build shanties out of whatever's available. They also illegally tie into water, electricity and telecom services - sometimes with 'bribes' to officials involved (try to disconnect us and we'll kill you). Anyway, there was a policy to keep the streetlights on 24 hours in one area of the city. A green-thinking official queried the rationale for this, and somehow managed to get the policy changed so that the lighting was turned off during the day. The mortality rate in the nearby favelas then skyrocketed, because all the fridges stopped during the day and food went off.