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Joseph Meehan
 
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Default Electric Outlets - Hot and Neutral Reversed

wrote:
Rental apartment situation ... no access to circuit breakers. Tested
using Snapit 3 light circuit tester. I found two outlets that had
"hot/neutral reversed" [HNR from here on out].

Now I obviously cannot and would not attempt any repair for perhaps 10
reasons (I have checked out a good 30 postings on the subject).

What I am asking is under what circumsances will I KILL myself. One
of the HNR outlets is next to a good outlet. So if I have a floor
lamp plugged into the good outlet and another lamp plugged into the
HNR and I touch both lamps (presumably in good electrical condition),
am I going to be zapped? The lamps clearly would not have a ground
type plug. Am I less likely to die if both appliances are grounded?
One grounded one not??? I have to assume that if there is any
electrical fault in the lamp (or appliance), then I am going to be in
trouble.

I am NOT using the HNR that is next to a good outlet. The one HNR
that is pretty isolated is being used but I presume the only exposure
here is using the vac or any long corded appliance. I also will not
use the HNR with a computer or accessories.

While I will bring this up with the landlord, I do not want to cause
undue alarm.

Wes in NJ


It is safe to use any device or lamp that does not have a polarized plug
(one with one prong larger than the other so it will only fit in the outlet
one way). Most devices with polarized plugs are also safe, but it may not
be easy to be sure. I would avoid using any polarized plug device in those
outlets. I would also suggest contacting the owner and having it fixed.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit