Hello all, short-time reader, first-time poster, etc etc.
Just wanted to add confirmation to all that's been said about the purpose of the new cords with AFIs.
I'm in Australia, with a 2002 Xbox manufactured in Hungary, and although it has given me no problems, if I plug/unplug the power cord with the power on at the mains, I hear a sparking sound.
Got my new cord with the AFI today. Out of curiosity, I wiggled the power cord while the power was on.
*Sparking sound*
*CLICK!* -- AFI killed the power immediately. Had to hit reset on AFI to restore power.
So, I guess it won't catch fire, but I think I'll have to look at doing a solder job, just to keep everything nice and tidy.