Electricity at Hogwarts (was : Re: Is Trelawney a witch?)

[pipdowns at etchells0.demon.co.uk]

No: HPFGUIDX 87204

Del wrote:
> > And as an ex Physics student, I'd be dead interested to know how 
> > ever they managed to make the castle impervious to electricity. 
> > Ideas anyone ?

Pip!Squeak:
Well, I suppose magic in large amounts (which you will *certainly* 
find at Hogwarts) might have a "Faradays cage" effect.

That is, it creates some kind of barrier where electricity simply 
travels around the *outside* of the barrier, and cannot get *inside*.

> 
> Carol:
> Hogwarts would have to
> pay for any electricity that it used and its location would have 
> to be revealed to the government or the power company (I don't 
> know who provides the utilities in Britain).

Pip!Squeak:
Various power companies contribute to what is known as the National 
Grid; however, Hogwarts could legally generate and provide its own 
electric power. For example, they could use petrol generators, 
magically driven generators, wind generators, solar panels, etc, 
etc. None of these require external power lines. 

Since they dont, I guess electricity *really* doesnt work properly 
near a magical field.

Carol:
> The school does apparently have
> some sort of plumbing system (hot water provided magically?) but no
> provisions for electricity regardless of electricity-repelling 
magic.

Plumbing predates the domestic use of electricity. The Romans had a 
very nice plumbing system, with central heating and everything.

The house elves could use wood-fired furnaces, for example. Steam 
could be used to pump the hot water up to higher levels.

> Carol
> That wouldn't explain why walkie-talkies (or cell phones, which
> haven't been mentioned) wouldn't work, though. 

It may simply be signal interference - magic interferes with 
reception. Or it may be that even the electric power of a battery is 
affected by the Hogwarts magic field.

Though I note that in OOP the Dursleys *specifically* tell Harry not 
to touch the TV or the Stereo. This might be born of bitter 
experience; Harry might tend to accidentally destroy anything 
electrical.

Carol:
> I pity the Muggle
> Studies teacher, having to explain electricity without being able 
> to demonstrate it!

Pip!Squeak:
Perhaps the students are told "its magic!" ? [grin]


Pip!Squeak