Make Magazine (aka "The O'Reilly Lifestyle Magazine") sent out an interesting email to subscribers recently

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.

Basically.... The magazine comes with a warning label. Be careful, don't be stupid, read the errata.

That said, the article about building your own wind-generated power is enticing indeed. I wonder if I could get association approval to power all the power-leeching devices in the unit here...

[Note that Make actually does have a disclaimer tucked into the TOC, stating that your safety is your own responsibility, you're building stuff that may be nonstandard, etc.]

Posted by esinclai at February 15, 2006 06:52 AM |