>>Now that I have your attention...
>>
>>I have an outlet in a very difficult area in that a large bookcase is directly in front of it. This is a 240v 3-prong outlet, but there are different types. I need to know exactly what type. I can only reach it with one hand and can barely see it. I was going to use play-doh to press against it to make an impression, but I can't find any. We also don't have enough salt to make our own. Going to the store is not an option right now, but I need to know the type of outlet soon. Any ideas from all you creative and handy people?
>
>Strange, Jay - thought the us was 110/120V ?

OK, here's what I wanted to know before coming here, but had eventually (eng: "in the end", forget the European "possibly" meaning of it) to learn it on the spot.

The power here is two-phase, or two-pole, with the AC graph being phase shifted by half period (180 degrees) at 110V, giving 220V cross-phase. The European system (as I know it) is three-phase, shifted by third of a period (120 degrees) at 220V, giving 340V cross-phase.

It is common for a house (aka home, you actually can't buy a house here, only a home) to have a few 220V outlets for larger appliances, like stoves and washer/dryer combos. These outlets... well, what I have looks like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BS_546, the largest one. Since Jay and I aren't geographically too far, I figure that's what he may have - but the question is, what size.

That's what I love about standards - the more, the merrier.