In my remodeling business, I am constantly using many different power tools. In certain situations, I repeatedly plug in and unplug different tools all day long. I always found it annoying to have to stop and look at each two-pronged power cord to find the polarization orientation before inserting one cord into the other. In particular, my Ridgid extension cords have clear plugs/sockets. Trying to distinguish the subtle difference in the slot sizes of the socket ends could be difficult.
Both to simplify and to speed up this process, I decided to identify the neutral side of two-pronged plugs as well as the corresponding neutral side of extension cords with a small piece of blue masking tape carefully placed so that it would not come off with repeated use. Now I simply reach for both cord and power-tool plug, quickly match up the identifying colored-tape pieces, insert the plug, and go.
David White, Cupertino, CA
