Electricity & magic

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 180525

---  "Barry" <whealthinc at ...> wrote:
>
> I've been informed on this site that magic interferes with 
> electrical devices. Since platform 9 3/4 is a pretty large 
> magic site, I'm wondering how this affects the power on all
> the other platforms.
> 
> Barry
>

bboyminn:

I think JKR's statements regarding this, was that HIGH 
concentrations of magic interfere with electrical devices.
Meaning that kids could not bring anything electronic to 
Hogwarts; no cell phones, I-Pods, radios, computers, etc....

This was a statement made specifically with regard to Hogwarts.
Consider that hundreds of hormone driven magical kids are 
trapped at Hogwarts for month at a time, then factor in all
the magical enhantments protecting Hogwarts, then add Hogsmead,
and the concentration of magic is pretty high.

Platform 9-3/4 is deserted most of the time. Twice a year, 
a group of people gather to take the train to/from Hogwarts.
On those day, it could be that radio, TV, and cell phone 
reception are bad, and that the train stations computers are
a bit finicky, but no indication that it is enough to shut
the station down.

I've always speculated that within Diagon Alley, simple 
electric and electronic device would work somewhat and cell
phone reception would very spotty at best. Magic would 
interfer, but it wouldn't absolutely block.

The same is true at the Black House, I expect the neighbors
experience bad cell and TV/Radio reception, but it is not
so intense that they can attribute it to a specific cause. 

So, it is the huge concentration of magic at Hogwarts that
blocks all electrical and electronic devices, in all other
places, it doesn't block, it merely annoys the electronics.

Note that both the Ministry of Magic and St. Mungo's are
right in downtown London. The concentration of magic at
those location can't be as intense. Also, keep in mind that
the Ministry is underground. That could act to shield the
magic. 

Just a guess.

Steve/bboyminn