" writes:
On a related note, IMAGINE purchasing an appliance with no plug on
it... on the premise that what is in your house is not the same as
next door, or next door to that. AND THEN... the home-owner is
expected to purchase said plug compatible with their specific system,
THEN to install it correctly. This was the common state of affairs in
parts of Europe until not so long ago.

Actually, this is common in USA woodworking equipment also. Many of
my 240V machines came with no plug.