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[–] 64 points 2 years ago (9 children)

The power can go through the female end just fine, that’s not the problem. The problem is people plug this “suicide cable” into the wall first, thus creating a 120v taser of sorts. Like someone else in this thread said, the only problem from cables like that is people tend to try to backfeed energy into the system with a generator or solar panels. Boom.

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  • [–] 4 points 2 years ago (7 children)

    So is the problem solved by not plugging it into a powered wall plug? Just like... flick the switch off, like you would a light switch before changing a bulb?

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  • [–] 7 points 2 years ago (4 children)

    Most American outlets aren't switched. They can be but most aren't. If you're really paranoid you can throw the breaker at the panel.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    Wait really? I don't think I have a single unswitched plug in my house, and I've never seen another house with even a single unswitched plug. Do US people need to unplug cords to get rid of standby lights?

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago* (2 children)

    Behold the typical North American duplex power outlet. They typically do not have a built in switch. They might be controlled by a light switch, so you can throw a switch near the door and have the floor lamps turn on but most are always hot.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Image

    That's Australia's.

    Because of the no switch, does US plugs spark a lot when getting plugged in?

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  • Technically yes, as do those switches internally, but if the device you're plugging in is switched off or pulls a very small load it won't be much. If you're plugging in an air conditioner or something that's going to present a big inductive load, and it is switched on so it will get power the instant it plugs in, yeah you might see a little flash of light. make sure such things are switched off before plugging them in.

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