Are all plug sockets the same size?

Category: technology and computing computer peripherals
4.1/5 (182 Views . 22 Votes)
Yes and no. The boxes, outlets, and switches are standard sizes. are different sizes than boxes for outlets and switches. Those are normally interchangeable between manufacturers.



Beside this, what is the size of a double socket?

Product information

Part Number SOC2GCCWC
Item Weight 240 g
Product Dimensions 14.5 x 2.5 x 8.5 cm
Item model number SOC2GCCWC
Size Rectangle

One may also ask, why are the prongs on a plug different sizes? If the blades are two different sizes, the plug as a whole is said to be 'polarized;' you can only insert it one way. This prevents the hot and neutral from being swapped. The third, circular blade situated below and between the other two is 'ground.

Beside above, are plug sockets without switches illegal?

They are legal and safe, and you can still buy them but they're less common these days. The only problem would be if you "switched" something off by pulling the plug out rather than using the switch on the appliance itself.

Which countries have the same plugs?

Type L

Country Often uses same connectors as: Type of plug
Ecuador United States A,B
Egypt Germany C
El Salvador United States A,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J,L
England United Kingdom

35 Related Question Answers Found

Are all light switches the same size?

The boxes, outlets, and switches are standard sizes. The only exception which comes to mind is that dimmer switches may require a larger than normal box for heat dissipation. Cover plates generally are the same size if they are the "standard size".

What size Pattress box do I need?

Metal in Wall Pattress Boxes
Sizes available are 1 gang (Single sized) or 2 gang (Double sized), with depths available being 25mm, 35mm or 47m. The UK Standard size is usually a 35mm depth of back box and this will be suitable for most switches and sockets.

How much do sockets weigh?

Average Weight Comparison o f Conventional Impact Socket to Lanj Socket Insert Adapter
Average Impact Socket Lanj Socket Insert
Total 27.59 lbs. 10.50 lbs.
3″ 7.28 4.14
3-1/8″ 7.84 3.68
3-1/4″ 8.89 3.20

What size is a standard light switch?

The Standard size plate is nominally 2.75 inches 4.5 inches, the Preferred size plate is nominally 3.13 inches by 4.88 inches and the Oversized plate is nominally 3.5 inches by 5.25 inches.

What is a double socket?


A socket outlet is the familiar item mounted on the wall into which a plug can be inserted. A double socket outlet is NOT rated at 26A - it 13A shared between the two outlets. Therefore if you intend to have two high power appliances in the same place, two single sockets are better than one double.

How wide is a UK plug?

BS 1363-1 specifies the dimensions of plug pins and their disposition with respect to each other in precise, absolute terms. The line and neutral pins have a rectangular cross section 6.4 mm by 4.0 mm, 17.7 mm long and with centres 22.2 mm apart.

What is a switch socket?

Switch is used for to make or interrupt a circuit. Switch with a socket provides a manual controlling of appliances during off-load and on-load. if switch is not provided with a socket electrical hazard may take place during on load pulling of plug from socket.

Is it safe to leave plugs in sockets?

You should never -
Just using the socket switch isn't safe because the switch could be broken. If left plugged-in, many appliances still have power flowing through them even though they look like they're off. The same is true of equipment in 'sleep mode' or on 'standby'.

Who is allowed to replace a plug or socket?


WHO IS ALLOWED TO REPLACE A PLUG OR SOCKET? Plugs and extension cord sockets may be replaced by a non-electrically trained person, provided the person has been trained and found competent to fit plugs and sockets according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Why are there switches on sockets?

IIRC, British electrical outlets each had a fuse at one time. It is an on/off switch, not a breaker. The philosophy behind them is that it enables someone to turn off the connected apparatus without unplugging it (!).

Are Unswitched sockets legal?

Unswitched sockets are no longer compliant with regulations and need to be replaced with switched versions. Older installations often have non-switched sockets, and they are perfectly acceptable.

Do sockets have to have switches?

Unswitched sockets are quite common on older installations, but are still permitted to be used under the current regulations (BS7671:2008). However switched sockets are much more practical and safer, as the switch can be used to isolate equipment as opposed to physically unplugging it every time.

What does a Type C plug look like?

The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. They are being replaced by E, F, J, K or N sockets which work perfectly with Type C plugs.

What does a polarized plug look like?


What is a Polarized Plug? The two-prong plug of unequal size and the three-prong plug are polarized. By having the two different sized prongs or a three prong design, the electrical device can only be inserted into the electrical outlet/receptacle one way.

Does it matter which way you plug outlet?

So although flipping the plug around and inserting it backwards will probably be no problem with regard to the electrical operation of the appliance, it may create a safety hazard by exposing the "hot" half of the outlet, the half not connected to Earth, such that someone might touch it and be shocked.

Can I remove the ground from a plug?

Never remove the ground prong. Ever. If you have to use a 3-wire device in a 2-wire system your options are: a 3x2 blade adapter, a portable GFCI device or replacing the 2-wire receptacle with a GFCI receptacle.