A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it

Re:A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it by neither_color on Sunday July 31, 2022 @10:07PM (#32301100)

Just because the US isn't on the metric system doesn't mean that every single standard we adopt is inherently wrong. Hating on our electricity is one of the silliest things I can think of. In my house the only thing that needs 240V are kitchen appliances, A/C and a car charging outlet, those get circuit breakers that tap both phases. Everything else gets one phase. The way more and more appliances and light fixtures(LED > CFL) are trending towards high efficiency and solar even 120V is more than necessary.

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Re:A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it by maeln on Monday August 01, 2022 @03:52AM (#32303234)

If there is anything to change, it is the horribly dangerous electric socket. I was also shocked to see that many house still doesn't use differential circuit breakers. I guess using 120V reduce the risk of a fatal electric shock, but I still wouldn't trust any installation that doesn't use differential circuit breakers.

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Re:A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it by manfre on Monday August 01, 2022 @06:20AM (#32304014)

Building codes only require upgrading the home's electrical when doing certain types of repairs/renovations. Newer homes will have afci or gfci breakers on most circuits.

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Re:A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it by mortehu on Monday August 01, 2022 @10:10PM (#32314439)

Don't forget kettles and space heaters. Also, visiting vacation homes or cabins where the owner doesn't have an electric car leads to very long charge times.

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