What are the 2 holes in an electrical plug for?

Originally Answered: Why are there holes on the prongs of things you plug into US power outlets? If you break open a socket you will see two little raised bumps that engage these holes to help hold the plug in place. Also you can buy small locks that will fit through these plugs to keep it from being used.

Why do electrical plugs have two different size prongs?

A commonly asked question is ” Why does my 2-prong style plug have different sized metal pins?” (Shown in the image below.) The answer is because it is polarized. When plugged in, the electricity enters your plug through the hot wire prong and then exits through the neutral prong, to complete the circuit.

What are the holes in an electrical outlet called?

The first hole, or left hole, is called “neutral”. The second hole, or right hole, is called “hot”. The third hole is the ground hole. The hot hole is connected to the wire that supplies the electrical current.

Why do some plugs have a sideways prong?

This orientation would reduce the chance of metal (bracelet or necklace) contacting the line and neutral when plugging or unplugging a cord. Screws on each side are connected together by a metal tab that can be removed to isolate the screws.

Why do plugs have one prong wider than the other?

Polarized nongrounding-type plugs have one prong, the neutral, that’s larger than the other to ensure that the hot wire, which is the smaller one, is tapped correctly. Electricity streams in a circuit, which is a closed path of components where electrons flow from a current source.

What are the different types of plugs?

9 Types of Electrical Outlets You Can Have in the Home

• 15A, 120 Volt Outlets. These are the most common in older homes and come in two versions:
• 20A, 125 Volt Outlets.
• 20A, 250 Volt Outlets.
• Tamper-Resistant Receptacles.
• GFCI Outlets.
• AFCI Outlets.
• Switched Outlets.
• USB Outlets.

Why are some plugs not polarized?

Plugs with the two of the same-sized prongs are considered non-polarized because there is no clear distinction as to which prong is for the “hot” side and the “neutral” side.

Why do some plugs only have 2 pins?

Appliances with 2-pin plugs are double-insulated, meaning that the safety reason for needing the grounding or 3rd pin have been eliminated.

Can I use a plug without holes?

Plugs are safe with or without holes in the prongs. Type A and B plugs have two flat prongs with (often, but not always) a hole near the tip. In some sockets, there are two spring-action blades that hold the sides of the plug pins and prevent the plug from simply slipping out.

Why are outlet holes different sizes?

Why Are Outlet Plugs Different Sizes? Therefore, engineers came up with the idea to make the neutral blade on each plug slightly wider than the hot blade and to make the hole for the neutral blade in each outlet slightly wider than the hot side.

Why do some power plugs have holes in them?

There are three reasons for the holes : If you were to take apart an outlet and look at the contact wipers that the prongs slide into, you would find that they have have bumps on them. These bumps fit into the holes so that the outlet can grip the plug ‘s prongs more firmly.

Why do electric plugs have holes in the prongs?

There are three reasons for the holes: If you were to take apart an outlet and look at the contact wipers that the prongs slide into, you would find that they have have bumps on them. These bumps fit into the holes so that the outlet can grip the plug’s prongs more firmly.

What are the types of electrical plugs?

The most common types of plugs include: Basic plugs (Straight plugs). These plugs have a basic cylindrical design. Grooved plugs. They are a variation of basic plugs. Double flared plugs (Saddled plugs). These plugs have flares outward on both ends, while the middle of the plug is thinner. Single flared plugs.

What are hole plugs?

plughole – a hole into which a plug fits (especially a hole where water drains away) hole – an opening deliberately made in or through something.