(Electure)

The top plug looks as though it might be feeding a light string, but what about the bottom one?

Are the prongs on that bottom plug bent right over, or is it just half way out of the receptacle?

All very poor indeed.

...which is 2 years longer than they had expected it to last, which would have ensured job security by having to replace it...


The bottom plug appears to have been 3-prong though I can't be sure. I don't have one handy, but if a ground pin is broken off of a plug, are the remaining 2 plugs polarized so it can't be inserted upside-down? (I don't think so...)

I've said it before- we've seen enough of these installations to suggest that there is a real need for someone to market a specific, affordable solution.
Appearances apart, the use of a "bubble" cover and longer cord would also create a trip hazard, and be more subject to damage by (for example) the lawn mower.
I also find "Bell" boxes to generally not be adequately supported, and subject to rapid corrosion when in contact with the ground.

My experience is obviously somewhat limited compared to all of you, but I've never seen a grounding-type plug with a wider neutral.

As a rule, the neutral is larger than the hot on this type of extension cord.
The extension cord, which is stapled to the tree, runs up to feed additional strings of Christmas lights.

Here's another on the same theme:

(Electure)