Public Service Announcement: Don't assume that the electric

cord you bought years ago was up to snuff.

I was recently cleaning up my shop after years of packing in crap of all sorts. Found a 220v extension cord, which was kinda odd... 12/3, about fifteen feet long, looked like brand new cable and ends. I know I didn't make this cord up so I might have bought it at a yard sale or something at some point since 1998 when I built my shop. I literally have no idea, other than it wasn't my handiwork.

But oddly enough... as these things go, with one in hand I suddenly had a need for a 220v extension cord. I had to do a quick bump test on an electric motor that I had salvaged, 3HP 110/220v... 35A at 110v was a little sporty so I thought 220v would be a far better option. Also needed to test a new little DC inverter welder I bought. So... plugged her up and KA-POW . As an electrical engineering sort of guy, I know that loud noises and ionized plasma sparks, followed by darkness in the building, are not preferred modes of operation.

So I switched modes into being the investigative sort. And what I found was scary. Again, this is on me since I... assumed. I should have checked the non-factory wiring myself. But... there's only ONE possible way to wire up a three prong single phase 220v plug, right? NOT IF YOU GET INVENTIVE. I literally said a prayer up for whoever wired this thing up, because they need an extra measure of mercy and grace to overcome their epic levels of electrical stupidity. I'm not sure you could get any more unsmart than this electrically, it would be tough.

Anyway, don't do this sort of thing. Please. If not for you, the next guy who picks it up.