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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.
Electrical wiring is an electrical installation of cabling and associated devices such as switches, distribution boards, sockets, and light fittings in a structure. Wiring is subject to safety standards for design and installation. Allowable wire and cable types and sizes are specified according to the circuit operating voltage and electric ...
NEMA connectors are power plugs and sockets used for AC mains electricity in North America and other countries that use the standards set by the US National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA wiring devices are made in current ratings from 15 to 60 amperes (A), with voltage ratings from 125 to 600 volts (V).
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).
Electrical wiring practices developed in parallel in many countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. [7] As a result, national and regional variations developed and remain in effect. (see National Electrical Code, electrical wiring, electrical wiring in the United Kingdom). Some of these are retained for technical reasons, since the ...
The term plug is in general and technical use in all forms of English, common alternatives being power plug, [1] electric plug, [2] and (in the UK) plug top. [3] The normal technical term (in both British and International English) for an AC power socket is socket-outlet, [4] but in non-technical common use a number of other terms are used.
Pilot Pin. (optional) last-make, first-break to control arcing. IEC 60309 (formerly IEC 309 and CEE 17, also published by CENELEC as EN 60309) is a series of international standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for "plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes".
The term plug is in general and technical use in all forms of English, common alternatives being power plug, [3] electric plug, [4] and plug top. [5] The normal technical term for an AC power socket is socket-outlet, [6] but in non-technical common use a number of other terms are used.