Re: Isolator Transformer Query
I agree that a N-E swap is likely to be very rare (I believe the problem was highlighted by the BBC for gigging musicians bringing their own amps etc into the studio), but it could happen, and is a very dangerous problem because it could give two metal boxes in close proximity (the device under test and a piece of test gear, ie two things you are very likely to touch simultaneously) with 240V between them.
With a standard UK 13A socket for the transformer output, it's actually a bit awkward to remove the earth connection, you generally have to cut through the metal strap used to connect the earth pin to the mounting screws.
Like many modern safety features, it's a trade off between the cost of the safety feature (cutting an earth strap and having to use a separate earth wire sometimes) the risk of a dangerous fault occuring (N-E swaps are likely to be rare for most of us), and the consequences of not having the feature (death in the worst case).
Stuart
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