Just Wondering

[Chippie]

How is it that electric plugs with the cable coming out of the top are on the increase I think they are not ergonomically sound the "normal" ones were certainly easier to handle. They also somehow look untidy hanging in a "loop" and puts the cable under increased strain?


I have a theory, but was wondering if there are others who have similar moans, as it appears that a large proportion of the Forum are elderly, and whether there is an ulterior motive for it?

[Gordon Bartlett]

Re: Just Wondering

Having one of each allows you to put two of them into one duplex outlet.

[Peerie Maa]

Re: Just Wondering

Having one of each allows you to put two of them into one duplex outlet.

US outlets and plugs differ from UK standard

[Ron Williamson]

Re: Just Wondering

The upper pic of Peerie's is a 20A receptacle and not common.
Most have 2 vertical spades.

I would say that lots of plugs are flat so that the cord won't get pinched or strained when something is pushed up against it.
There is also less of a tendency for the cord to unplug due to gravity,leaving live terminals exposed.
R

[Chippie]

Re: Just Wondering

OK let's start again.

How is it that electric plugs with the cable coming out of the top are on the increase I think they are not ergonomically sound the "normal" ones were certainly easier to handle. They also somehow look untidy hanging in a "loop" and puts the cable under increased strain?


I have a THEORY but was wondering if there are others who have similar moans, as it appears that a large proportion of the Forum are elderly, and whether there IS THERE AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE for it?

[Chippie]

Re: Just Wondering

Photo failed.

[Gordon Bartlett]

Re: Just Wondering

If the backward plug is on a stationary tool or appliance, you could just flip the corresponding receptical over to suit the plug.

[Chippie]

Re: Just Wondering

True.
My questions however are why have they swiched them around anyway?
Does it annoy anyone else?
Could there be an ulterior motive behind them doing so?

I suspect there is.
There are many things similar to this, that give rise to my thinking that way.

[Peerie Maa]

Re: Just Wondering

I was introduced to a clever idea this weekend.

No 1 son is a joiner. He has a shop vacuum that you can connect to a sander. The sander power cable plugs into the vacuum, and if you select the correct switch position, the vacuum only runs when you turn the sander on.

[Chippie]

Re: Just Wondering

And my questions Nick??

[JayInOz]

Re: Just Wondering

These are standard here- We can get the plug with the cord in any direction but straight out is normal. And the switch at the wall is compulsory.
https://www.google.com/search?q=aust...client=gws-wiz Click "view all" under the image. JayInOz

[Torna]

Re: Just Wondering

I think that the answer is that newer guidance on installing wall receptacles is that the ground lug should go on top and the two spades on the bottom. Imagine a partly pulled out plug and someone drops a pin, nail, or coin such that it falls onto the exposed contacts: you want it to hit the ground lug first - and not fall across the two live contacts. So new installs should have the ground lug on top.
And with that method, the new right angle plugs will have the cord emerge from the bottom as you would expect.

-Leif LaWhite

[Peerie Maa]

Re: Just Wondering

And my questions Nick??

I have not yet seen the plug that you describe (except for phone chargers), and I don't tend to moan about what I cannot change.

[Ron Williamson]

Re: Just Wondering

I was introduced to a clever idea this weekend.

No 1 son is a joiner. He has a shop vacuum that you can connect to a sander. The sander power cable plugs into the vacuum, and if you select the correct switch position, the vacuum only runs when you turn the sander on.

We use a Makita,a couple of Bosch,and a few Festools with that feature.
Very nice.



Chippie
What is your alterior motive theory?

R

[Chippie]

Re: Just Wondering

What I am referring to may we'll be a phone charger Nick so I'll ask you again.

Why have they to changed from the usual cable entering in through the bottom (as in your photo) to ones where they go through the top?
i am wondering which photo host do the Forum recommend?