Thx for posting that link about the Shunyata Z1 outlet. In the video, Caelin mentions how a poorly constructed, cheap outlet can become a fire hazard.
Years ago, I couldn’t figure out where a very mild burning smell was coming from in my kitchen. For weeks, I triple-checked all of the appliances. Nothing was unusual. One day I decided to do some paperwork at my dining room table – which I rarely do since I have a home office. As I plugged in the laptop charger, I almost burnt my hand when it touched the outlet cover. I’ve never encountered anything like it. And I’ve worked with a lot of electrical outlets. Of course, I was very relieved to discover the source of the burning smell. I didn’t know that was even possible. When I replaced it, the unit was wired correctly.
A while ago, I mentioned this incident in another thread. Curiously, another veteran Audiogon member, who worked for a utility company, posted a response that he didn’t believe me. It was very true – as Caelin pointed out. Learned something new – fortunately without any consequences. I was very lucky! Subcontractors trying to save a buck.