Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
AC power plugs and sockets connect devices to mains electricity to supply them with electrical power. A plug is the connector attached to an electrically-operated device, often via a cable. A socket (also known as a receptacle or outlet) is fixed in place, often on the internal walls of buildings, and is connected to an AC electrical circuit ...
Most electrical connectors have a gender – i.e. the male component, called a plug, connects to the female component, or socket. Thousands of configurations of connectors are manufactured for power, data, and audiovisual applications. [3] Electrical connectors can be divided into four basic categories, differentiated by their function: [4]
NEMA 1-15P (two-pole, no ground) and NEMA 5-15P (two-pole with ground pin) plugs are used on common domestic electrical equipment, and NEMA 5-15R is the standard 15-ampere electric receptacle (outlet) found in the United States, and under relevant national standards, in Canada (CSA C22.2 No. 42 [1]), Mexico (NMX-J-163-ANCE) and Japan (JIS C 8303).
BS 546, Two-pole and earthing-pin plugs, socket-outlets and socket-outlet adaptors for AC (50–60 Hz) circuits up to 250 V is an older British Standard for three-pin AC power plugs and sockets. Originally published in April 1934, it was updated by a 1950 edition which is still current, [1] with eight amendments up to 1999. BS 546 is also the ...
An early American electrical plug and socket was invented by Harvey Hubbell and patented in 1904. Hubbell's first design was a socket which screwed into a lampholder (like the early lampholder plugs), but with a separable plug with pins (U.S. patent 774,250) or blades (US patent 774251).
An outlet is defined by the NEC as "a point in the wiring system at which current is taken to utilization equipment". [1] This definition includes receptacles, lighting, motors, etc. Ordinary switches control but do not consume electricity, and therefore are not defined as outlets in this sense.
A lightbulb socket, lightbulb holder, light socket, lamp socket or lamp holder is a device which mechanically supports and provides electrical connections for a compatible electric lamp base. [1] Sockets allow lamps to be safely and conveniently replaced (re-lamping).
A plug is defined in IEC 60050 as an accessory having pins designed to engage with the contacts of a socket-outlet, also incorporating means for the electrical connection and mechanical retention of flexible cables or cords, a plug does not contain components which modify the electrical output from the electrical input (except where a switch or ...