Re: Plot twist? What plot twist?
Not at random, it depended on which way you put the plug into the power socket.
It was called "hot chassis" design and it saved a winding or possibly an entire transformer.
You had nothing to complain about, the pressboard back of the cabinet served as an insulator, and as long as you didn't go poking around where you didn't belong, you were safe. Until your screwdriver slipped or your kids lost one of the knobs on the front. Made life more interesting.
That's why we have polarised plugs and a ridge down one wire of the zip cord now.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
