Revelf Polarity

The lovely S and I are in training mode for our July climbing trip. So, even though we could barely walk after yesterday's session, we climbed again this morning to get some mileage in.

We are also preparing for the logistics of going on an Elf Adventure in Europe. S has been trying to explain that the electrics at some campsites can be a bit different to British electrics. Something to do with reverse polarity. I'm not understanding it.

In the car outside the climbing we had one of those conversations that I often re-read in my journal and question whether they actually happened.

Me: Nope, I still don't understand it.

S: Ok, let me give you an analogy.
My left thigh is the live wire *points at left thigh*.
This hand on my left knee is the on/off switch *wafts left hand up and down*.
My balls are the appliance *points to his bits*.

Me: *stares*

S: My right thigh is the neutral wire *slaps right thigh*
If the wiring is correct, M, you put the switch to on, the power flows through the live wire, it completes the circuit, and my balls are live!

...But if it's reverse polarity, then the neutral wire (right thigh) is carrying the electricity, so my balls are live even if the switch on the left is off.

Me: *eventually stops staring* Wait....but are your balls doing anything when the switch is off?

S: No, you still have to flick the switch to complete the circuit, M! BUT, there will still be power running through them. So, even though it looks like they are switched off...you cannot tamper with the balls.

Me: Ok. *stares...shakes head* Can we go inside and climb now, please?

S: Yeah!