On Mon, 5 Jun 2017 16:48:32 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On 06/05/2017 12:30 PM, wrote:

[snip]

It happens a lot, particularly on old 2 wire systems. Before polarized
plugs became the norm (~1970s), it was not even important to keep the
hot and neutral straight. When I was a kid, there was no silver screw
on the receptacles in our house and both slots were the same size.
(house built in the 40s)


IIRC the only place I've seen non-polarized 120V plugs or receptacles
recently is on miniature holiday lights. Maybe that's to keep you from
using the receptacle on the end of the string for anything but another
light string.

I have some old stuff with switches or lamp holders in them that have
nonpolarized plugs. That is pretty much worst case.
I also found a couple of 18ga non-polarized extension cords in my
mom's stuff. I put them in with the christmas stuff, just for those
cheap lights with 20-22 ga wire.