new thing.
At the previous exam, a few applicants had applied for using a typewriter, with no problems. This time, several dozen applicants all plugged into the web of extension cords throughout the special hall reserved for typewriting. None of us paid attention to the fact that all the cords ultimate fed into a few wall sockets that had served the room for over 20 years and likely never pulled such a load. Before the exam, each applicant set up their Olivetti, IBM Selectric, or whatever, switched it on to confirm everything was o.k., then switched it off to wait.
At the top of the hour, I called "Begin!" Dozens of machines clicked on at the same time. I'm not going to say that the ceiling lights dimmed (they were on a different circuit) but a two or three of the machines just sat there doing nothing. The owners frantically toggled their power switch, to no avail.
I learned that day that when you plug dozens of little electric motors into a single circuit, the voltage sags. Some machines will still work with the lesser amount of power, others won't.
Rearranging the extension cords did nothing, of course. Running a new extension cord to the next room did nothing - apparently it was on the same overwhelmed circuit.
Those unlucky applicants had to write their exams by hand. There's a lesson here somewhere.
(At least they weren't disturbed by an earthquake. IIRC that was the next exam.)
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