NationStates Jolt Archive

In England, there are usually three pins on a plug, connected to three wires inside - live, neutral, and earth. The earth wire is in case of dangerous electrical things (eg. electrical faults) which means that the current travels into the earth wire (and I think usually blows the fuse) rather than entering a human and causing serious harm or death. So as you can see, the searth wire (and the earth pin) is very important - so why don't Yank plugs have a third pin?

Because we're awesome like that. should be noted though that some of our plugs do in fact have 3 pins.

In England, there are usually three pins on a plug, connected to three wires inside - live, neutral, and earth. The earth wire is in case of dangerous electrical things (eg. electrical faults) which means that the current travels into the earth wire (and I think usually blows the fuse) rather than entering a human and causing serious harm or death. So as you can see, the searth wire (and the earth pin) is very important - so why don't Yank plugs have a third pin?

they do. just not all plugs have the grounding wire.

the heavy duty appliances do.

Some do; I know my laptop charger has a three-prong plug, and most outlets have them.

It also might have to do with the different voltages used in the two countries. The US only has 120V at 60 Hz, while the UK has 230V at 50 Hz.

In England, there are usually three pins on a plug, connected to three wires inside - live, neutral, and earth. The earth wire is in case of dangerous electrical things (eg. electrical faults) which means that the current travels into the earth wire (and I think usually blows the fuse) rather than entering a human and causing serious harm or death. So as you can see, the searth wire (and the earth pin) is very important - so why don't Yank plugs have a third pin?What are you talking about? There is a third pin in my American plug. My German plugs don't have them, but the American ones sure do.

In England, there are usually three pins on a plug, connected to three wires inside - live, neutral, and earth. The earth wire is in case of dangerous electrical things (eg. electrical faults) which means that the current travels into the earth wire (and I think usually blows the fuse) rather than entering a human and causing serious harm or death. So as you can see, the searth wire (and the earth pin) is very important - so why don't Yank plugs have a third pin?

Some do.

It also might have to do with the different voltages used in the two countries.

Scores!

AC vs DC......

european plugs don't have three pins either. there are two pins and a hole.

Never mind the number of the pins, why are the pins so small and light that they barely support the weight of the plug?

I hate to kill this thread right here, but all proper American electronics have three prongs. The only reason some don't (hence the "proper") is, because many houses don't have three holes on all their plugs (All modern houses do.). The reason for this is that there was a massive influx of residential developement in the fifties and sixties (when most of America's suburban housing was built) before there was even a such thing as a ground wire. Each socket has to be adapted, so many people only bother with those that will handle more major appliances (such as a television, etc.). That's why not all electronics can even be manufactured with ground wires.

Never mind the number of the pins, why are the pins so small and light that they barely support the weight of the plug?

1. Why are UK plugs so huge?
2. Why is there a little switch on each and every outlet?
3. Can you tell me about Lucas Electric?

european plugs don't have three pins either. there are two pins and a hole.

As the UK is technically part of Europe, I just wanna clarify: UK plugs have 3 pins.

1. Why are UK plugs so huge?
2. Why is there a little switch on each and every outlet?
3. Can you tell me about Lucas Electric?

1. They aint. Yours are tiny. Like your pen....

2. To make it easy to switch the supply on and off without having to remove the plug. If you switch off at the appliance, and not the socket, there is still current running through the wire to the appliance, wasting electricity.

3. Nope.

1. They aint. Yours are tiny. Like your pen....

2. To make it easy to switch the supply on and off without having to remove the plug. If you switch off at the appliance, and not the socket, there is still current running through the wire to the appliance, wasting electricity.

3. Nope.

Lucas Electric is the way things are seen if you say UK and electric in the same sentence.
The Lucas Electric motto: "Get home before dark."

Lucas denies having invented darkness. But they still claim "sudden, unexpected darkness."

Lucas--inventor of the first intermittent wiper.

Lucas--inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.

The three-position Lucas switch--DIM, FLICKER and OFF. The other three switch settings--SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.

The original anti-theft devices--Lucas Electric products.

"I've had a Lucas pacemaker for years and have never experienced any prob...

If Lucas made guns, wars would not start either.

Did you hear about the Lucas powered torpedo? It sank.

It's not true that Lucas, in 1947, tried to get Parliament to repeal Ohm's Law. They withdrew their efforts when they met too much resistance.

Did you hear the one about the guy that peeked into a Land Rover and asked the owner "How can you tell one switch from another at night, since they all look the same?" "He replied, it doesn't matter which one you use, nothing happens!"

Back in the '70s Lucas decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only product they offered which didn't suck.

Quality Assurance phoned and advised the Engineering guy that they had trouble with his design shorting out. So he made the wires longer.

Why do the English drink warm beer? Lucas makes the refrigerators.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the Telephone.
Thomas Edison invented the Light Bulb.
Joseph Lucas invented the Short Circuit.

Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: check the position of the stars, kill a chicken and walk three times sunwise around your car chanting: "Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant."

Lucas systems actually uses AC current; it just has a random frequency.

1. Why are UK plugs so huge?
They're a perfectly good size. They're probably bigger due to the higher voltage. But what matters is that the pins are sturdy enough to keep them in place.

2. Why is there a little switch on each and every outlet?
To turn it on and off.

3. Can you tell me about Lucas Electric?
Nope. I have no idea what that is.

Because North America pwns the world' electricity!!! Muhuwahahaha!!! :eek:

Because North America pwns the world' electricity!!! Muhuwahahaha!!! :eek:

Keep wishing.

because they're idiots.

because they're idiots.

If a plug doesn't have a brain, how can it be an idiot?

1. Why are UK plugs so huge?
2. Why is there a little switch on each and every outlet?
3. Can you tell me about Lucas Electric?

That should end any British claims to superior electrical anything.

Who remembers any good jokes about Lucas?

The only one I remember

The Lucas Motto: "Get home before dark."

Lucas Electric is the way things are seen if you say UK and electric in the same sentence.

Eve, you understand completely.

If a plug doesn't have a brain, how can it be an idiot?
maybe because they don't?

Seriously, what the hell is "Lucas Electric" and why should an English person know about it?

Seriously, what the hell is "Lucas Electric" and why should an English person know about it?

It's better known as the "Prince of Darkness" and is part of your heritage. I find it difficult to believe any Brit would not know of Lucas.

It's better known as the "Prince of Darkness" and is part of your heritage. I find it difficult to believe any Brit would not know of Lucas.

I find it difficult to believe Britons insult Britons like me by shortening the word to "Brits". Oh wait, no it's not difficult to believe after all...

In England, there are usually three pins on a plug, connected to three wires inside - live, neutral, and earth. The earth wire is in case of dangerous electrical things (eg. electrical faults) which means that the current travels into the earth wire (and I think usually blows the fuse) rather than entering a human and causing serious harm or death. So as you can see, the searth wire (and the earth pin) is very important - so why don't Yank plugs have a third pin?

Modern building code typically requires three prong. However, the main reason it isnt such an issue is that we use 120v where Europe--I assume you are in Europe is...220 or is 215...something like that....your outlets kill people.

It's better known as the "Prince of Darkness" and is part of your heritage. I find it difficult to believe any Brit would not know of Lucas.

Yes, but Americans find it hard to believe that Britons don't "boil all their food", so you're not saying much.

If a plug doesn't have a brain, how can it be an idiot?

Obviously he meant Americans?

Yes, but Americans find it hard to believe that Britons don't "boil all their food", so you're not saying much.

Wha? I have never heard Brits boil their food, I though that was Norway not the UK.

Wha? I have never heard Brits boil their food, I though that was Norway not the UK.

Just insert some other ridiculous stereotype then. For the record though, some Americans do believe that.

Obviously he meant Americans?

yeah, but the thread is about american plugs.

I find it difficult to believe Britons insult Britons like me by shortening the word to "Brits". Oh wait, no it's not difficult to believe after all...

I have know a good number of British citizens that don't object to being called Brits. Personally, I don't see anything derogatory in it, any more than being called a Yank can be considered derogatory. I think you should get over yourself.

Uk plug
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMiE6mHRFrdkAosCjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA4NDgyNWN0BHNlYwNwcm9m/SIG=12st0vn3t/EXP=1165355450/**http%3a//www.richmond.ac.uk/images/resources/itav/av-equipment/uk-plug.jpg

American plug
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMibrmHRFmVIAS1WjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA4NDgyNWN0BHNlYwNwcm9m/SIG=123vdttsn/EXP=1165355627/**http%3a//www.global-electron.com/plugs/B-plug.jpg

Just insert some other ridiculous stereotype then. For the record though, some Americans do believe that.

SO in other words you dont really dont know any americans who stereotype you, you just make up some blather Generalizing Americans and hope everyone jumps on the "Stupid Americans" band wagon.

Just because you stereotype Americans doesnt mean we all do it to you.

Fecking slag.

SO in other words you dont really dont know any americans who stereotype you, you just make up some blather Generalizing Americans and hope everyone jumps on the "Stupid Americans" band wagon.
How exactly am I going to know Americans who stereotype Britons? I'm hardly going to sit and watch the credits on some sitcom to find out the writer's name.

Anyway, I'm not interested in any bandwagons. Popularity isn't my aim. Nor is the interchange of angry words, so if you want a flamewar you'll have to look elsewhere.

Really, I don't care if people like fourth reich or whoever it was try to put down Britons. That putting down foreigners is a major staple of American humour may irk me on occasion, but I guess it's better than the angry defensive attitude that is offered as an alternative.

I have know a good number of British citizens that don't object to being called Brits. Personally, I don't see anything derogatory in it, any more than being called a Yank can be considered derogatory. I think you should get over yourself.

And I know a good number of American citizens that don't object to being called Yanks (even when they're not from North America) - but that doesn't mean all like the name of their nationality being messed about with. My nationality is White British. Iam thus, a White Briton, therefore, like many people (though as you've stated, there are many who don't object AS WELL) I hate being referred to as a "Brit". Spaniards are not "Spans", Nigerians are not "Nigs", and Britons are not "Brits". I think you should get an attitude transplant.

So why did I use the word "Yanks" in the first post on this thread. Pure and simple, because Americans virtually always refer to us as "Brits". But it annoys me even more when even Britons do it.

How exactly am I going to know Americans who stereotype Britons? I'm hardly going to sit and watch the credits on some sitcom to find out the writer's name.

Anyway, I'm not interested in any bandwagons. Popularity isn't my aim. Nor is the interchange of angry words, so if you want a flamewar you'll have to look elsewhere.

Really, I don't care if people like fourth reich or whoever it was try to put down Britons. That putting down foreigners is a major staple of American humour may irk me on occasion, but I guess it's better than the angry defensive attitude that is offered as an alternative.

You are the only person I read making blanket insulting generalizations about other nations citizens. Generalization based soley on your admitedly uninformed misconceptions.

Spare me your attempt at back peddling the one stereotype I do have of Brits is that they are supposed to have backbone.

You are the only person I read making blanket insulting generalizations about other nations citizens. Generalization based soley on your admitedly uninformed misconceptions.

Spare me your attempt at back peddling the one stereotype I do have of Brits is that they are supposed to have backbone.

Not caring what others think of me means I don't have a backbone? Besides, it's quite ridiculous you saying "you don't know any Americans who make such stereotypes", when Americans post anti-British comments daily on this very forum. For me to get defensive about it would be to go against the "stiff upper lip" stereotype to which you are possibly referring.

They're a perfectly good size. They're probably bigger due to the higher voltage. But what matters is that the pins are sturdy enough to keep them in place.

I don't that is the reason. The rest of Europe has the same voltage levels as the UK and the plugs are much smaller on the continent.

It's all a plot to sell international electrical adapter kits! :eek:

1. Why are UK plugs so huge?
2. Why is there a little switch on each and every outlet?
3. Can you tell me about Lucas Electric?

1. UK plugs have a fuse inside the plug. I am not sure but I don't think the US ones do.
2. You guys normally just have the switch on the appliance somewhere. This way you can easily know if the power to your appliance is on or off if the appliance is broken - for example when changing bulbs.
3. Who?

Scores!

AC vs DC......
Both countries use AC for mains power.

The UK uses 240V at 50Hz, the US uses 110V at 60HZ.

The 'Hz' indicates it is AC.

110V is much less likely to kill you, and so might be a reason why you guys don't have an eathing wire very often.

Modern building code typically requires three prong. However, the main reason it isnt such an issue is that we use 120v where Europe--I assume you are in Europe is...220 or is 215...something like that....your outlets kill people.

Yeah - but hairdryers work really well here :)

And it's normally only the stupid people...


It's better known as the "Prince of Darkness" and is part of your heritage. I find it difficult to believe any Brit would not know of Lucas.
Nope. Never heard of them.

Part of our Heritage? Seriously?

And I know a good number of American citizens that don't object to being called Yanks (even when they're not from North America) - but that doesn't mean all like the name of their nationality being messed about with. My nationality is White British. Iam thus, a White Briton, therefore, like many people (though as you've stated, there are many who don't object AS WELL) I hate being referred to as a "Brit". Spaniards are not "Spans", Nigerians are not "Nigs", and Britons are not "Brits". I think you should get an attitude transplant.

So why did I use the word "Yanks" in the first post on this thread. Pure and simple, because Americans virtually always refer to us as "Brits". But it annoys me even more when even Britons do it.

Whinging Pom.

Lucas Electric were the manufacturers of electrical items for the automotive industry, well in the UK anyway.

Uk plug
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMiE6mHRFrdkAosCjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA4NDgyNWN0BHNlYwNwcm9m/SIG=12st0vn3t/EXP=1165355450/**http%3a//www.richmond.ac.uk/images/resources/itav/av-equipment/uk-plug.jpg

American plug
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMibrmHRFmVIAS1WjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA4NDgyNWN0BHNlYwNwcm9m/SIG=123vdttsn/EXP=1165355627/**http%3a//www.global-electron.com/plugs/B-plug.jpg

you can't put 2 images in one IMG tag.

Heres a stumper. What are the holes for that are on the end of the plug prongs.

Heres a stumper. What are the holes for that are on the end of the plug prongs.

Dunno but there arent any in mine

Heres a stumper. What are the holes for that are on the end of the plug prongs.

whta?

Every single electriucal plug, at least in the US, has a hole punched near the tip on both the flat metal blades that plug into the wall. What is its function?

Edison probably found it easier to electrocute the elephant with a two pin plug.

Yeah - but hairdryers work really well here :)

And it's normally only the stupid people...


Nope. Never heard of them.

Part of our Heritage? Seriously?

When I googled I found out it was about British cars that use that company for their electrics which generally don't work. I had never heard of them either, but then I am not into cars.

Heh, I love this board. First people were insulting each other over differences of dialect and vernacular, and now people are doing it over differences of electrical outlets?

Why do people get so emotional over trivial differences between cultures?

Every single electriucal plug, at least in the US, has a hole punched near the tip on both the flat metal blades that plug into the wall. What is its function?

They needed little metal circles, and they figured nobody would miss them from your electrical plugs. *nod*

Haha, I love the Lucas jokes, especially the one about the nonsucking vacuums.

Every single electriucal plug, at least in the US, has a hole punched near the tip on both the flat metal blades that plug into the wall. What is its function?

Inside modern electrical outlets are little bumpy pieces that grab at those holes to keep the plug in the socket securely.

I wouldn't go spelunking in an outlet to find out, just take my word for it.

And some US houses might have 240V wiring for certain items; for example, some appliances such as larger air conditioning units might have an extra large funky plug. I have an extra circuit box that runs a pool pump, and I'm thinking of having another installed so I can run a larger glass kiln.

Woah!! This page went haywire when I hit reply ... stretched out horizontally.


The bigger things, like Air Conditioners -- Refrigerators and stuff have the 2 skinny pins and the one round thick pin (http://www.philmore-datak.com/images/8567.jpg). But most things just have to the 2 small ones (http://www.philmore-datak.com/images/8901.jpg). So all electronics over there have 3 pins? Are they like how I described ours .. with 2 slim, one fat round one?

Woah!! This page went haywire when I hit reply ... stretched out horizontally.


Most of the bigger things, like Air Conditioners -- Refrigerators and stuff have the 2 skinny pins and the one round thick pin. But most things just have to the 2 small ones. So all electronics over there have 3 pins? Are they like how I described ours .. with 2 slim, one fat round one?

The third pin in the UK is a rectangular shape, that is bigger than the other two pins, which are also rectangular.

Like this:

http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/IGS/IGS170/IS028-015.jpg

Most plugs have all three pins, but sometimes you come across one with only two pins, or with a dummy (plastic) third pin. This is usually on very low requirement household items.

As a side note, from my experience with both, the UK ones tend to stay in the socket better than the US ones (when they get accidently tugged).

Ahh ok, I see what you mean... yeah they can come out pretty easy. Happens with my hairdryer alot, not sure if the wall socket is wore out(it's an old house)or if it's the plug itself.


http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/IGS/IGS170/IS028-015.jpg

that would defintaly stay in the socket better than our verticle prongs.

Modern building code typically requires three prong. However, the main reason it isnt such an issue is that we use 120v where Europe--I assume you are in Europe is...220 or is 215...something like that....your outlets kill people.

Nonono, you have it all wrong. All voltage does is make it easier for current to pass through you, and the current does the actual killing. Volts jolt, current kills.

..and at 120v, your sockets kill. Our sockets cook. It's the difference between "fizzle" and "BANG". ;)

The third pin in the UK is a rectangular shape, that is bigger than the other two pins, which are also rectangular.


...and the reason for the longer pin, is so that the (hopefully not live) earth pin pushes a lever inside the socket, that lifts up two safety flaps, hopefully ensuring that curious fingers don't get themselves blown off when no plug is inserted.

Nonono, you have it all wrong. All voltage does is make it easier for current to pass through you, and the current does the actual killing. Volts jolt, current kills.

..and at 120v, your sockets kill. Our sockets cook. It's the difference between "fizzle" and "BANG". ;)

Not quite.

The current that passes through that person is equal the voltage divided by the resistance of that person.

V = IR which rearranges to I = V/R (I = current, R = resistance)

In the UK ---> I = 240/R
In the US ---> I = 110/R

Now - the persons resistance does not change, all that happens is you (approx) halve the voltage, which in turn will halve the current that passes through - this reduces the current to something that is a lot less likely to kill you than in the UK. They can still kill, but it is a lot less likely.

This is why in the UK on construction sites we use 110V power supplies for almost all work unless it absolutely HAS to have a bit more juice.

Also - this is why you can get a lot power out of appliances like hairdryers in the UK than you do in the US. (P=IV, P=RI^2)

And some US houses might have 240V wiring for certain items; for example, some appliances such as larger air conditioning units might have an extra large funky plug. I have an extra circuit box that runs a pool pump, and I'm thinking of having another installed so I can run a larger glass kiln.

...from what I'm aware, isn't that two 120v lines stuck together?

Not quite.

The current that passes through that person is equal the voltage divided by the resistance of that person.

V = IR which rearranges to I = V/R (I = current, R = resistance)

In the UK ---> I = 240/R
In the US ---> I = 110/R

Now - the persons resistance does not change, all that happens is you (approx) halve the voltage, which in turn will halve the current that passes through - this reduces the current to something that is a lot less likely to kill you than in the UK. They can still kill, but it is a lot less likely.

This is why in the UK on construction sites we use 110V power supplies for almost all work unless it absolutely HAS to have a bit more juice.

Also - this is why you can get a lot power out of appliances like hairdryers in the UK than you do in the US. (P=IV, P=RI^2)


Thankyou for using Ohm's Law to prove me right. o_o

...I just figured that most people here haven't spent a year and a half studying electronics, so I was kind of painting by numbers.

...from what I'm aware, isn't that two 120v lines stuck together?

well, the plug look like this:
http://www.handsnclay.com/outlet.jpg

takes a lot of juice to get a kiln up to 2400F.

:)

I hope they fire up the kilns of hell to well over 2400F for people who post obscenely large pictures...

there. took care of all the drama for you, okay?

...from what I'm aware, isn't that two 120v lines stuck together?

i think most houses technically have 220 or 240 coming into the house and it splits from there, but i'm not an electrician