But Tinstaafl
1. If that is true (and I don't doubt it) it means that from the 2 wires leavin an alternator the current flows equally but in opposing direction. But if you touch one wire you'll feel an electrical shock but you won't if you touch the other one.
2. As I understood your last explanation, if a take one wire with one hand and the other wire with the other hand, I shoul feel a shock alternating between my hands: ie one shock in my right hand one followed by another in my left hand 6o times a second (if the current is 60 Hz). This apparently is not consistant with the experience of 1.
3. Your analogy with the waterpipe looks very similar (if not identical) to my idea of how Direct Current works.
Thanks again for your patience
[This message has been edited by Joaqu'n (edited 23 May 2001).]