Hello. I'm a new member and have joined to try and learn something about the electronics side of our hobby. I am happy to admit I know absolutely nothing about electronics but even I can see this thing is awful and dangerous.
Once upon a time all Local Authorities used to have something called "Trading Standards" departments and something like this would have been referred to them to take appropriate action eg prevent its sale, prevent dodgy T&C's and prosecute if necessary.
Unfortunately, like so many other valuable public services, this no longer exits and so cowboys can market unsafe products and make lubricous claims to trap the unwary.
Caveat emptor!
Yes, I remember this. I started out with tubes in the 1970s. People still had tube equipment in their homes (besides TV) and some of it was dangerous. Tabletop radios were often made of Bakelite and had plastic knobs, but if you took the knobs off then you had a real shock hazard.
And I remember if it hums, then you reverse the plug. Non-polarized plugs (and outlets too, I've seen them in ancient installations) are very hazardous. It seems so primitive and just plain wrong now, but it was everyday stuff when I was a kid.
Re: Fast Eddie D....
Yes, my home's got a few ancient older non-polarized outlets scattered around various rooms.
But since I live here alone now, I'm aware, and it's a matter of "when I get around to changing them".
As for those older radios, both tube AND transistor, that used non-polarized cords, I always replace them with polarized cords/plugs, and sometimes rewire the chassis so the "hot side" goes to the switch.
And adding a simple fuse on the hot side insures more safety too, since back then a lot of things were not fused.
I did this for my customers as well, at the shop.
It's always better to have the chassis at ground level.
When I was about 15, I made a simple tube amp - 50L6/12AT7/35Z5, and even back then I led the power cord through the chassis with a knot inside, and a rubber grommet.
I shake my head that whoever made that "mess" equipment the OP showed us, is that sloppy.
Yes, my home's got a few ancient older non-polarized outlets scattered around various rooms.
But since I live here alone now, I'm aware, and it's a matter of "when I get around to changing them".
As for those older radios, both tube AND transistor, that used non-polarized cords, I always replace them with polarized cords/plugs, and sometimes rewire the chassis so the "hot side" goes to the switch.
And adding a simple fuse on the hot side insures more safety too, since back then a lot of things were not fused.
I did this for my customers as well, at the shop.
It's always better to have the chassis at ground level.
When I was about 15, I made a simple tube amp - 50L6/12AT7/35Z5, and even back then I led the power cord through the chassis with a knot inside, and a rubber grommet.
I shake my head that whoever made that "mess" equipment the OP showed us, is that sloppy.