Swiss tourist paralyses TGV network with raclette oven
FAO knell: http://www.scienceinfo.fr/paralyse-reseau-ferroviaire-pendant-plusieurs-heures-tentant-de-brancher-four-a-raclette-prise-electrique-dun-tgv/
(Google Translate works).
In summary:
A Swiss tourist plugged his raclette oven into the power socket of a TGV train
whose control mechanisms interpreted this sudden load on an unprotected power socket as a fault, and shut down the train which resulted in many circuit breakers opening, paralysing part of the TGV network.
The train builder did not anticipate anyone would plug anything like that into the train, so the socket was unprotected against overload or large loads.
(Google Translate works).
In summary:
A Swiss tourist plugged his raclette oven into the power socket of a TGV train
whose control mechanisms interpreted this sudden load on an unprotected power socket as a fault, and shut down the train which resulted in many circuit breakers opening, paralysing part of the TGV network.
The train builder did not anticipate anyone would plug anything like that into the train, so the socket was unprotected against overload or large loads.