MAKE published a potentially dangerous project HOWTO in the latest issue of MAKE (#05).
MAKE says:
The “How to Build a Power Tap” page in MAKE 05, page 112, contains an error that could cause an unsafe wiring situation. Before attempting this project, please read the corrections posted at http://makezine.com/05/quickanddirty.
PLEASE DO NOT BUILD THE POWER TAP AS SHOWN IN THE ILLUSTRATION.
The illustration shows a dual plug receptacle, which, when wired improperly, can cause a short circuit. Do not attach the wires from the extension cord to the screws on the same side of the receptacle, because it will create a short circuit.
Once again, before attempting this project, please read the corrections posted at http://makezine.com/05/quickanddirty.
Additionally, we have corrected the illustration on the digital edition, which you have free access to as a subscriber.
I’m yet to receive my copy of MAKE 05 (welcome to international postage delays) but I’m pretty surprised they chose such to demonstrate an electrical project like this anyway.
Sure, the core audience of MAKE would be capable of building such a project, but clearly there are going to be readers who don’t have the necessary electrical skills and confidence to make such a device, or make it safely at the very least.
Please don’t kill yourself people, I need the subscribers.
Some genuinely interesting points which you have written.Aided me a lot, what I was looking for : D.