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09-22-2008, 08:09 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 8
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The holes in the prongs of a male attachment plug
A customer asked me why there are those 2 holes in the prongs of the male 15 amp plug, and why do some not have them? Is there a real answer to this question? I had to say "I don't know"
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09-22-2008, 11:49 AM
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#2
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Location: Cornpatch USA
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- 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. This detenting prevents the plug from slipping out of the socket due to the weight of the plug and cord. It also improves the contact between the plug and the outlet.
- Electrical devices can be "factory-sealed" or "locked-out" by the manufacturer or owner using a plastic tie or a small padlock that runs through one or both of the prong holes. Construction projects or industrial safety requirements may require this type of sealing. For example, a manufacturer might apply a plastic band through the hole and attach it to a tag that says, "You must do blah blah blah before plugging in this device." The user cannot plug in the device without removing the tag, so the user is sure to see the instructions.
- There also is a small savings in raw materials (metal) for the manufacturer of the actual plug prong. Every little bit helps!
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09-22-2008, 12:54 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Peabody, Massachusetts
Posts: 6
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holes in the prongs
I believe the holes in the prongs of the & female caps are there for a testing company such as UL to randomly put a pull test on the cap to see if it meets their standard and receives their listing.
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09-22-2008, 03:00 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Central Fl
Posts: 246
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I thought it was for hooking up the stripped out 14G romex  .
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09-22-2008, 03:03 PM
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#5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Podagrower
I thought it was for hooking up the stripped out 14G romex . |
Why limit it to just 14?
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09-24-2008, 11:24 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
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According to NEMA WD-6 (page 17), the standard for dimensional standards for wiring devices, the holes are optional and are intended for manufacturing purposes only.
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09-24-2008, 04:38 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Conyers, GA
Posts: 52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 480sparky
Why limit it to just 14?
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HAHAHAHAH gezz, I HAVE watched some workers from south of the border do that crap.... 
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09-24-2008, 08:03 PM
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#8
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The holes also make it easy to attach zip/lamp cord as well.
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09-24-2008, 09:16 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: missouri
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 480sparky
The holes also make it easy to attach zip/lamp cord as well.
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the only thing i see is they forgot the tape
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09-24-2008, 09:21 PM
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#10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mattsilkwood
the only thing i see is they forgot the tape
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It's stealth tape, product of the Reagan years. You can't see it, but trust me, it's there....
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09-24-2008, 09:30 PM
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#11
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Location: missouri
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 480sparky
It's stealth tape, product of the Reagan years. You can't see it, but trust me, it's there....
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thats too funny  does that stuff work on motor leads?
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09-24-2008, 09:46 PM
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#12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mattsilkwood
thats too funny does that stuff work on motor leads? |
It works on anything. Bet ya didn't notice that F101 parked in your driveway....
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09-25-2008, 06:30 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Central Fl
Posts: 246
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 480sparky
Why limit it to just 14?
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Allright, how about we use the hole in the prong for a screw and nut. Then we could use sta-cons on the wire.
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