What does 3 pins mean?

What does 3 pins mean?

3 pin plugs are designed so that mains electricity can be supplied to electrical appliances safely. A 3 pin plug consists of three pins (hence the name). Each pin must be correctly connected to the three wires in the electrical cable. Each wire has its own specified colour so as it can be easily identified.

What is a UK 3 pin plug?

Type G plug
An electric plug has 3 pins in the UK, the most common being the Type G plug which has rectangular shaped pins and is used across a wide variety of devices and appliances. Type D plugs and Type M plugs have round shaped pins and are more commonly used with lighting circuits.

What are the pins of a 3 pin main plug?

The 3-Pin plug a fuse (3A, 5A and 13A are the most common values); an earth pin; a cable (or cord) grip to hold the cable firmly in place and stop a user pulling wires free from their correct connections. The other end of the cable is connected to the electrical circuit inside the appliance.

What are the names of the three pins?

The three pins are marked as L, N and E for live, neutral and earth respectively with earth pin being thicker and longer and at the centre.

What is the purpose of a 3 pin plug?

(i) A three pin plug is used to supply electrcity to any electrical appliance whose body is earthed. The third big pin of the plug helps us to do this earthing. The user of the electrical appliance is then protected against accidental electrical shocks.

When did UK change to 3 pin?

The first British standard for domestic three-pin plugs was BS 317 Hand-Shield and Side Entry Pattern Three-Pin Wall Plugs and Sockets (Two Pin and Earth Type) published in 1928.

Where is the 3 pin plug used?

This type plug is commonly used for heavy appliances such as the air-conditioners. There are earthed instruments and unearthed instruments. The Earthed instruments require a third pin to provide the Earthing connection in case of insulation failures, while unearthed instruments use safeguards such as double insulation.