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Basic Types of Electrical Plugs


by DoItYourself Staff

Taps/Adapters/Plugs Safety Tips

 

  • When using a grounding adapter, always attach the U-shaped piece of metal on the adapter to the screw in the middle of the receptacle. If you don’t, you expose yourself to electric shock and defeat the purpose of using a grounded plug.
  • When using a socket adapter, don’t attach a long line of extension cords to the socket. This can easily overload the socket.
  • Some plugs have a twist lock feature that protects them from being accidentally unplugged.

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    Plug

     

  • Connects to the power supply through the receptacle.
  • Technically, it is a male receptacle.
  • Available in polarized and non-polarized versions. In the polarized version, one blade is larger than the other to help reduce the potential for shock.
  • Three conductor plugs have three blades, one of which is a grounding pin.
  • Large appliances have plugs with specific configurations.
  • Can use to build extension cords or to replace plugs on appliances or power tools or other devices requiring a plug.

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    Connector

     

  • The opposite of a plug. It has slots or openings on the inside designed to receive male receptacles or plugs.
  • Technically known as a female receptacle.
  • Larger appliances have special configurations (often called NEMA configurations). The configuration of the slots must match the configuration of the prongs on the plug.

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    Table Tap

     

  • Also known as a plug-in strip or plug-in outlet adapter.
  • Increases the number of outlets available at a single outlet.
  • One side plugs into an outlet and the other provides two to six pairs or outlets.
  • A smaller version is the cube tap, which is in the shape of a cube and provides two or three receptacles in the place of one.

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    Multiple Tap

     

  • Like the table tap, it plugs into an existing outlet to increase the number of outlets at a location.
  • It typically has four to six plugs.
  • Some models may contain circuit breakers or surge protectors, but may not be suitable for computer equipment.

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    Multiple Outlet Strip

     

  • Also known as a surge suppressor or a power strip.
  • Achieves the same purpose of a tap, but has a cord that plugs into an outlet and a strip of outlets contained in a metal or plastic box.
  • Better models have built-in surge protectors that protect electronic equipment from sudden surges of electricity.
  • A surge protector does not protect against a lightning strike.

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    Socket Adapter

     

  • Screws into light sockets to adapt them for use as two outlets while keeping the function of a light socket.
  • Also known as a current tap or socket switch.
  • Some models have a switch or pull chain that turns off the bulb without turning off the outlets.

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    Plug Body

     

  • Adapts a light socket for use as a single outlet.

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    Twin Light Adapter

     

  • Adapts a single light socket for a double light socket.
  • Y shaped and holds bulbs at an angle from one another.

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    Grounding Adapter

     

  • It allows you to use a plug with three prongs in a receptacle that has only two slots.
  • Cube-shaped plastic or rubber.
  • Has a small U-shaped piece that is to be attached to the screw in the middle of the receptacle.

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    Courtesy of NRHA.org
    Related Links
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  • Four Types of Electrical Plugs
  • Electrical Receptacle vs Electrical Outlet

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