What are Electrical Plugs?
The term “plug” refers to an electrical device that supplies electrical current from receptacles to the electronic devices. All the electrical appliances, machines, and other devices depend on these plugs and receptacles for their powering needs. When wiring a house or a commercial place or when conducting repairs, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of plugs and receptacles in general and a few other things related to them as well.
Electrical plugs are detachable connectors that are responsible for supplying electric current from the power source to an electronic device. Different kinds of electrical plugs are available for varied kinds of wiring systems. These plugs normally have pins that are inserted into the outlet. It is with the help of these pins that the electric current travels through insulated wires and reaches an appliance/device/machine.
Electrical plugs are divided into several categories based on the country they are meant to be used in and specific power requirements. For instance, Type A plugs, which are identified by two flat parallel blades/pins and are ideal for small electronic devices, are meant to be used in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Columbia, Costa Rica, and several other nations. Similarly, they are divided into further types, including E, F, G, H, and so on.
Working of Electrical Plugs
Plugs are correctly connected with the insulated wires based on a color-coding system. The standard three-pin plug uses a black (live) wire, a white (neutral) wire, and a green (ground) wire. These color-coded wires correspond to the cables of the same colors installed in the main wiring system of a residential or commercial establishment.
Once connected, these plugs are firmly secured inside the electrical outlets present on the wall or floor. When the male metal prongs of the electrical plugs come in contact with the metallic (covered with plastic) female outlets, the resultant conductive connection allows the required amount of electricity to pass freely through the insulated wire and power an electronic device.
Power Receptacles
Electrical outlets, also known as receptacles, are sockets that are used to establish an electrical connection between an electronic device and power supply. In dwellings, commercial buildings, or any other establishment, these outlets are mainly installed on walls; however, in some places, they can also be seen fitted on the floor. Power receptacles are an important part of a property’s wiring structure and can be installed in great numbers across an establishment to provide several points of electrical connections. These receptacles can either have their own dedicated circuit for preventing overloads or are connected to a single common circuit.
The modern-day power receptacles come with several additional security features, primarily designed to address short circuits, electrical overload, and other issues that might threaten life or property. The plastic capping technique can also be used for childproofing an electrical socket at home or the workplace, thereby preventing curious children or pets from coming into direct contact with the electricity inside.
Different countries make use of different kinds of power receptacles. This not only requires different arrangements of electrical plugs but also demands for power converters to match with the voltage requirement of the electrical devices, which might also vary in different countries. Travelers must have converter plugs at their disposal to establish easy connections with different types of receptacles, along with converting the voltage requirement according to the usage.