Blackout 2003 [was Re: OT-Kinda, more TwilightZone.................)

[Robert Goodale]

Doesn't work that way, this is not technically possible.  If the man
actually said this he is either a grotesque liar and/or doesn't work for a
utility.  The only remote possibility, (which still doesn't really fit the
scenario), is if the neutral line specifically had failed in which case some
lesser demanding items such as a radio or light bulb would use the ground
against the hot allowing them to partially work at reduced voltage.  Even in
this circumstance however this would be specifically localized to the
residents directly connected to an isolated specific transformer.  This
wouldn't work in a city or state wide failure.  Bottom line: urban legend.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV


> I got a ride hitchiking with an
> employee of the utility company ( and a member of our
> church ) who asserted that the blackout occured in a
> triangle so precisely defined that some people had 2
> lamps on the same circuit ( but on opposite sides of a
> room ,) and that one blacked out, while the other
> remained glowing.
>      And he intimated that he had been told not to
> reveal this, to avoid causing panic.
>      ( Dedededeh-Dedededeh..............)
>      Thump