Since we are discussing connectors and hot plugging and etc, I thought I
would pass on this little repair scenario.

Many plugs carry power and ground in close proximity to one another.
Many people just love to HOT plug connectors. When I ran a Computer
Service Shop I was appaled at the number of repairs to power supplies
from people not realizing that the shells which surround the pins are
usually made of metal and almost always are grounded. Most people when
they plug in a connector hold the connector so that they can see the
pins just before they insert the connector. This means that the
connector is tilted slightly, usually with the pins pointed upward or to
the side. If one misses and the metal shell touches a pin which carries
power -- POOF! Sometimes you're lucky and the fuse just pops. Other
times the power supply sacrafices itself for the sake of the 25 cent
fuse. Even when I was making my living off of this kind of stupidity,
it wasn't fun for either the customer or for me (and certainly after you
do the first 2 these are no challenge!). So remember: Plugs should
always be inserted straight into the socket. Don't slant the connector
first. Assume power is always there (even if it has been turned off)
and you should NEVER NEVER NEVER hot plug any connector!

Okay, I'm off of my soap box.

Clark Williams

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