Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

[iwire]

A view point from outside the trade.

Why are there holes in the prongs of electrical plugs?

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Pretty interesting. I just happen to know why the holes are there.

What occupies the space in the receptacle before the plug is inserted? The answer is air. If the plug didn't have holes in the blades, the air would be compressed when inserting the plug and would blow out the sides of the receptacle rendering it useless. The holes act as an air diverting device allowing the air to escape harmelssly out the receptacle causing no damage or harm to the person plugging in the equipment.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

I submit that the cord cap prong hole is direct evidence of the Hole Theory of Electrical Current, and that the hole in each prong is the last hole that didn't make it through the circuit before the circuit was broken.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Nonsense!

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

I don't care for Cecil's "HOLE ier than thou" attitude.

Also, I believe the Lillian Vernon catalogue sells a "plug hole filler kit." I can't repeat the pitch verbatium, but it went something like "stop pouring your expensive electricity down plug holes, and take advantage of all the current you got coming to your plug-in appliances"

29.95 + S+H

 

[bthielen]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

I think I figured it out!

To give this forum one more topic to debate until it is distorted into some new unrecognizable form.

One thought I had. Are there receptacles available that incorporate some form of "catch" or tab that would mate up with the hole to grab ahold of the prong in order to keep the connection more secure?

Bob

 

[dillon3c]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Originally posted

until it is distorted into some new unrecognizable form.

excuse me,I must go "hose off" from laughing..


dillon

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Putting my boots on and looking for high ground

 

[roger]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Cliff said the holes were started in the 40's as a war effort to save this massive quantity of metal to build weapons.

Roger

 

[badjeepr]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

not "all" plug prongs have holes in them...

 

[augie47]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

thats why the ones without the holes cost more, as stated above...holes let the 'tricity leak out

 

[kelley]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

The holes are for the little guy in the receptacle to hold onto so the plug wont fall out. When you are ready to unplug he just lets go. He's related to the gut who turns the fridge light on and off!

 

[LarryFine]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Originally posted by kelley:
The holes are for the little guy in the receptacle to hold onto so the plug wont fall out. When you are ready to unplug he just lets go. He's related to the gut who turns the fridge light on and off!

I've seen their ancestors on The Flintstones!

 

[steve066]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

One thought I had. Are there receptacles available that incorporate some form of "catch" or tab that would mate up with the hole to grab ahold of the prong in order to keep the connection more secure?

Score one for Bob. In a recent P&S catalog, they have a cutaway view of a receptacle, and you can even see the catches on the connections.

 

[LarryFine]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Well, sure, it's easy to come up with the correct answer when you're responding seriously.

Stop that!

 

[steve66]

Re: Plugs, Prongs and Holes.

Bob started it