The UK electrical plugs have 3 pins, including an earth. Why do the Americans stick to 2 point plugs, which, from my experience are quite rickety.
2007-02-27 10:00:28 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Ah, it appears you may well have evolved.
When I was there in 1996 (working at a summer camp in PA, there was a video machine that had a two point plug which sparked a lot. I have been worried for your electrical safety ever since
2007-02-27 10:20:48 · update #1
Well the earthing/ground socket is there in the plug itself!
it's not my field but however I have learned more from the answers from other participants.It is not a question of winning main thing is participation, to earn knowledge, well at least I will study the main wiring of Anesthesia Machine as we have both American and British systems in our hospital. Nice question, no buttering.
2007-02-27 10:07:21 · answer #1 · answered by Dr.Qutub 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
First of all keep in mind that the UK power is 240 Volts which is twice as deadly as the American 120 Volts.
For decades the American Electrical Code has required that all outlets take three pins. Most American plugs have the three pins to conform to that. However since the third pin is a ground, anything which is doubly-insulated and can't shock you to ground still comes with two pins (which are all they need).
Are there doubly-insulated tools and appliances in the UK? If so then they might use only two of the pins also.
2007-02-27 10:07:06 · answer #2 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most modern American electrical installations are now done with the 3 pin outlets - hot, neutral, and ground.
I imagine the 2 pronged outlets were done because (1) they were cheaper, and (2) 120volts is so much safer than the 220volts used in Europe.
2007-02-27 10:07:02 · answer #3 · answered by jbtascam 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Almost all of my electrical items have 3 prong plugs and I am in US. Perhaps your info is a little out of date?
2007-02-27 10:04:49 · answer #4 · answered by Phartzalot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but it's not only America, but parts of Europe too. Spain is one of the countries. EDIT...Femmi, the question wasn't about one country versus another. Stop stirring
2007-02-27 10:05:46 · answer #5 · answered by Taylor29 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most have 3
2015-08-19 11:32:24 · answer #6 · answered by elliot 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ever since the revolutionary war. the Americans like to do things their own way. to show we dont need the UK
2007-02-27 10:05:03 · answer #7 · answered by femmi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say the last time you were in the US was about 15-20 years ago. things changed on this side of the ocean mate...
2007-02-27 10:07:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
We evolved some time ago and use a live neutral power system these days. 1/3 less wiring in power chords.
2007-02-27 10:04:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
We have both. 2 pronged for low watt appliances and 3 pronged for larger watts.
2007-02-27 10:08:15 · answer #10 · answered by csucdartgirl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋