BEAR writes:

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same
three pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone
taking a US 110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond,
and then someone plugging in a nice British 240vac (that's what it
is?) line cord with a British mains plug and the same IEC on the
unit, and POWW!!!

Absolutely nothing.
But it could be worse.
I have several appliances (old Technics integrated amp, Philips
portable radio, Teac cassette recorder) with a non-detachable
italian 6A mains plug and a 110-220V voltage selector.
Some PC also have a 110-220V selector, and some other have a
smarter PSU.

But even if you pay attention the worst could happen. Here in Italy,
you could have two kind of 3-phase system: 220V triangle (_normally_
without neutral) and 220V star (or 380V trangle) (_normally_ with
neutral). But especially if the 220V triangle is designed to have big
motors, there is also a neutral wire, and is used the same socket of
380V star.

BTW, I sure wish IEC connectors were locking... :- )

There is a locking IEC socket. Has a metal piece that pass behind the
plug and lock on a iron wire. The socket is not auto-locking, and works
with the lock open too.