Fair enough, I will take your word for it. Still in my mind it sounds incredibly dangerous to dump that much voltage (enough to push 10 kw/h) through 14awg wire. I'm likely not getting exactly how it works correct, but the higher the voltage, the more likely it is to jump and spark, right? So at those levels, even a minor tear or rip in the shielding or a loose connection on a switch or outlet would be a disaster and I don't care how diligent you are on upkeep, being one dumb rat, or errant nail in the wall is gonna happen eventually, and when it does, bye bye house.
In europe we build stuff differently than in the US.
Wires are inside solid walls and are covered with stuff. Not a single bit of free space.
So no rat, bug or whatever will get to it.
It does have disadvantages as the cooling is worse (14 AWG can run 20A continuously under favourable conditions) and you cannot change wiring without gutting the walls.
When using nails/drills I use a simple wireless AC voltage detector.
My 20$ multimeter has one.
DIY solutions can also be used if one knows enough about electricity (simple DIY device or normal audio amp).
As for voltage beeing dangerous.
Cables in your walls are most likely rated 300V or more already.
Hardware stores in europe usually sell home wiring rated for 450-500V minimum.
High voltage does make arcing easier. That's one thing worse.
Often visible in high-voltage devices like vacuum tube radios/TVs where voltage can exceed 300V DC.
On the other hand on 120V mains systems the fuse often has higher current so peak short-circuit current will be higher. This allows some unintended shorts to heat up more before the circuit breaker trips.
In europe some electricians joke about direct welding on US wiring.
Some breakers are rated over 100A (with adequate wiring) which means it's possible to weld directly from power outlet. All you need is some variable resistor (like a bucket of salty water) or a choke.
Train is just one of the electric transportation methods.
Trams do the same but for passengers within cities.
But there's also a "forgotten" path called trolleybuses.
Most commonly used in the former eastern bloc but also in other countries.
It's going back in the form of "e-highways" where there's overhead wiring which could be used for powering trucks on a single lane.
Without battery it makes much more sense, not much extra weight or space required.
For planes it's impossible.
They can only rely on batteries.
Eco-guys put focus on making everything electric.
But not everything can and should be made electric.
There are many field which for many reasons cannot, practically or economically switch to electric.
Boats can be electric because they can weight a ton with no issues.
They can even get their electricity from nuclear reactors, many military warships/submarines do that.
Trains could also use this electricity source.
But planes cannot. Both USA and USSR tried with bad results.
Shielding is too heavy.
