That is exactly one of the reasons they were "banned."
Also, people are morons. They don't install the disk, they don't twist the wires properly around the terminal screws so you got little strands of wire sticking out the sides sometimes.
The insulating disks used to be fiber, which would eventually crumble over the years (if it didn't get lost first). At least now the disk is plastic and it does fit tigher.
Plug one of these improperly installed suckers into a socket with a metal plate and you risk the chance of a small fireworks display.
But hey....like I said. A lot of good the NEC did by "banning" them when you can still easily buy them in the USA (and even Mexico, even if they don't meet NOM standards).
They are popular with old fan, lamp and radio repairers/collectors since they "look right" for the job. I have a box full of them at home.
You can also still buy new cloth-wrapped lamp flex in many lighting supply stores.
Of course it's also non-UL listed....
[This message has been edited by SvenNYC (edited 08-06-2003).]