It’s the early 1990s, and this team of four network analysts is moving to a new office that’s been configured just for what they need, reports a pilot fish on the team.

“The room was completely remodeled and upgraded to handle our unique requirements, including additional 20-amp outlets for desktop computers, printers, plotters, and network monitoring and analysis equipment,” fish says.

“I plugged a power-strip surge protector into one of the outlets and then plugged in the computer and printer. But when I flipped the switch on the surge protector, flames shot out from all directions.

“Turns out the electricians had wired what was supposed to be a 110-volt outlet as 220 volts. The power strip sacrificed itself to save the equipment plugged in.”

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