[csharptwdec19]

I would assume it had a purpose similar to an EtherKiller [0]. Most experienced Shop techs have at least a couple of similar tools to assist with recalcitrant RMA departments.

Unless it's a Creative labs product. You'll never RMA one of those. Ever.

[0] - http://www.fiftythree.org/etherkiller/

[FooHentai]

In the early 2000s I 'successfully' RMAd a Creative Labs Nomad Muvo MP3 player. The replacement was a different color, capacity, and had someone else's music on it.

[GekkePrutser]

Hmm connecting directly to 110V is both dangerous as not limited in amperage (except by the fuse which is way too high for this purpose) and in some cases not enough (e.g. some ethernet has 1.5kV protection)

It would be better to slowly raise the voltage until it blows, leading to minimal pyrotechnics on the components (smoke/burning)