We didn't need the espresso-dispensing function anyway

It's a decade or so ago, and on a project with a tight schedule in Saudi Arabia, this systems analyst pilot fish gets an additional task: installing the new terminals for an IBM minicomputer.

"The buildings in Saudi Arabia usually have wall outlets for 110 and 220 volts," fish says. "Often, both have the same plug type and shape, and it's very hard to distinguish between the two.

"Without realizing that the new 3180 terminal had a specification of 110 volts, I plugged it into a 220-volt outlet. As soon as I switched it on, there was a spark inside the terminal and smoke. Then some brown fluid dripped from the back of the terminal.

"I realized my mistake and, before anybody noticed, unplugged the terminal from 220 and plugged it into 110 volts. I quickly wiped up the brown fluid and made up my mind to blame it on IBM's manufacturing when the terminal wouldn't switch on.

"But to my great surprise, the terminal switched on without an issue and the sign-on menu came up.

"The one last thing I had to worry about was neutralizing the burning smell, which I did by opening up the window."

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