Appliance plug
An appliance plug is a three-conductor power connector[1] originally developed for kettles, toasters and similar small appliances. It was common in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.[citation needed]
It has largely been made obsolete and replaced by IEC 60320 C15 and C16 connectors, or proprietary connectors to base plates for cordless kettles. It still occurs on some traditional ceramic electric jugs.[citation needed] It is also used for some laboratory water stills.[citation needed]
On some models of the classical ceramic electric jug, the appliance plug prevents the lid from being raised while the connector is inserted. This is important as during operation of these jugs, the water it contains is connected to the electric mains and is an electric shock risk.[citation needed]
Appliance plugs were also used to supply power to electric toasters, electric coffee percolators, electric frypans, and many other appliances. An appliance plug is to some degree heat resistant, but the maximum working temperature varied from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from batch to batch.[citation needed]
The mains connectors of the appliance plug are two rounded sockets that accept two rounded pins from the appliance. They are unpolarised. The third connection, earth, is a large metal contact on each side of the plug body which makes contact with the sides of the plug receptacle, grounding the appliance body. Some appliances using these connectors incorporate a spring and plunger mechanism with a temperature-sensitive release system; if the temperature rises significantly above a preset limit - for example, if a kettle boils dry - the spring is released and (if all goes well) the plunger pushes the plug and socket apart. It must then be allowed to cool and then reset manually by forcing the connector back into the appliance.
A plug of same design but probably different dimensions was in use in former USSR for powering electric kettles and electric samovars.
Protection devices
[edit]Modern electrical appliances may be used in conjunction with external protection devices designed to reduce the effects of abnormal electrical conditions, such as transient over-voltages, voltage fluctuations, or brief power interruptions. These devices are typically installed between the mains outlet and the appliance and are intended to disconnect the load or limit the electrical stress reaching sensitive electronic components. They are commonly used with appliances that contain microprocessor-based control systems, including refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and other household equipment. The use of such protection devices is distinct from the function of the appliance plug itself, which provides the electrical and mechanical connection between an appliance and the power supply.[2]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Product data sheet: 464-BK", PDL by Schneider Electric, archived from the original on 2021-12-05
- ↑ V, Sanjay Kumar (2026-07-17). "Why Every Home Should Use an Appliance Protection Plug". www.evolve.ind.in. Retrieved 2026-07-17.
 | This electronics-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |