"RBM" rbm2(remove wrote in message
...
FYI: the body of the fixture should not under normal circumstances be
connected to either the hot or the neutral wire



Key woird here is "normal." What is that? Much of today's stuff is trash.
Do NOT assume that this is the case. Also old equipment can have the
insulation worn out and contacting the body, wires could be frayed and
contact the body, bug bodies between wire and body, etc. Unless checked
out, play it safe and do not use the reversed outlet for anything in
questionable or untested condition. It should not damage any equipment, but
personal safety is in question.




"RBM" rbm2(remove wrote in message
...



Typically lamps are not grounded. The "hot" wire should connect to the
tongue in the socket and the neutral connects to the threaded part of
the
socket. The likelihood of you getting electrocuted by this is probably
extremely small.
wrote in message
oups.com...
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