Re:Ahh Australian power :) (Score 1)

Yeah, it's pretty scary. What's more - they don't really care (or seem to). Grouding is merely an afterthought. I believe the AU/NZ outlet type (the arrow shape) is a lot safer than the "neutral blade" slot of american outlets. Also, I think that 20% without ground seems a bit low. It's probably higher than that. I laugh at those people who plug surge protection strips into those outlets.... One other thing: the wiring itself - the hot wire is.. BLACK?? The neutral is white. Seems kinda counter-intuitive, especially in a country where any hillbilly can do and often does their own wiring (local codes permitting). Australian (and probably new zealand) code is ACTIVE (hot) = RED/BROWN, NEUTRAL = black/blue, EARTH= Green/Green+Yellow. Those photos were taken in Escondido, CA. First photo was the switch panel of an old 40A knob-and-tube service installed circa 1925 that had some romex cable installed at a later date. Second shot was of a house build after WW2 (probably early 50s) and was slightly better, but not by much. Not a single grounded outlet in either house.