An electrician's homemade gadget reportedly caused computer convulsions and havoc at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
This was revealed on Thursday -- about two years after it happened. It came out during an age discrimination suit filed by the central figure in the incident who was fired, the New York Dasily News said.
The foulup also temporarily short-circuited the career of journeyman electrician John Cravetts, 62, who was discharged though he insists he meant no harm.
Cravetts had been asked to locate circuit breakers on the Fed computers that had not been properly labeled.
He used his gizmo to conduct the search, plugging it in and tripping breakers, knocking out power as he went along.
Fed officials say they might have had to shut down computers that process some $2.5 trillion in funds and securities payments and $4 billion in checks every day. Fortunately, backup systems kicked in after the Nov. 17, 2002, incident.
© Copyright 2004 by United Press International
