On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:39:27 -0700 (PDT), marlboroman wrote:

OK, I understand that on a lamp it's a good idea, or the socket shell
and bulb threads will be live if the hot side of the power line is
connected to that part of the socket.

Maybe they want the hot and neutral to be determinate just to protect
against lawsuits?

Or, maybe it's a UL standard even for plastic-housed appliances?