marlboroman wrote:
Has anyone ever figured out why they put one wide and one narrow on a
plug that does not have a ground?

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.

But, lets say I have a all plastic cased electric power tool. (Like
all of them made in the last decade or more). I'm holding plastic,
which does not conduct electricity. It dont matter which side of the
power line goes to which side of the motor on AC. What's the point of
having that wide terminal? Is the only reason to **** off the user,
particularly those of us who are older and dont have the best eyesight
anymore. I cant see any other reason.....

My grinder does a quick job of narrowing that wide prong though !!!
.

The wide blade is the neutral, the narrow blade
is the hot. Some appliances may have the neutral
attached to the metal chassis parts inside. Did
I hear "shock hazard"? I used to work with an
idiot who would cut the ground pin off plugs.

The hot wire is switched. If you grind down the
neutral and plug it into the hot side, the item
will be energized when the switch is off.

TDD