In our daily life, plugs are one of the most common electrical accessories. Many of you remember that in the past, there were usually two small holes in the plug, but nowadays, these small holes are gradually disappearing.
So, what exactly are these two holes for? Why do they unconsciously withdraw from our lives?
What are the two small holes in the plug?
Let's go back in time and explore the role of these two small holes in the plug. One of the main uses is to increase the friction between the plug and the socket and assist in fixing the plug. In the past, the connection between the plug and the socket was not as tight and stable as it is now, and it was prone to loosening and falling off. The existence of these two small holes allows the plug to have a force to fix the plug when it is inserted into the socket. The shrapnel on the inside of the socket has a small bulge that snaps right into the small hole of the plug. In this way, the contact of the socket is more secure, reducing problems such as poor contact, electrical sparks, and even electrical malfunctions caused by loose plugs.
These two small holes also serve the purpose of fixing the locking plug. In some special occasions, such as factories, workshops and other environments, the plug may be subjected to a large external force and is easy to be pulled or shaken. The existence of small holes can form a mechanical lock between the plug and the socket, and when the plug is inserted into it, a metal rod can be inserted into the hole to prevent the plug from falling off accidentally and ensure the normal operation of electrical equipment.
Why aren't these two holes in the plug now?
In fact, this is closely related to the progress of science and technology and the improvement of production technology. With the development of materials science and the improvement of manufacturing technology, the design of plugs and sockets is constantly optimized and improved. Today's plugs and sockets are designed and manufactured more precisely to provide a stable and reliable connection, eliminating the need for holes to increase friction and snaps to secure the plug.
At the same time, with the continuous improvement of people's awareness of safety and environmental protection, the requirements for plugs are getting higher and higher. In the past, there may be some potential safety hazards in the plug hole design, such as static electricity may be generated due to friction when plugging and unplugging, which may cause electrical sparks and even lead to fires and other hazards. Today's plug design pays more attention to safety performance, and the safety of users is ensured by using more advanced insulation materials and protective measures.
In addition, the cost of production is also an important factor. While the role of the hole may have been indispensable in the past, with the advancement of production technology, it is cheaper and more efficient to manufacture a plug without a hole. This is undoubtedly a more economical option for manufacturers.
Modern plug design
Modern plug designs are often used in the following ways to ensure safety:
● Three-pin plug: The middle pin of the three-pin plug is the grounding pin, which is connected to the metal shell of the appliance to ensure that the appliance can be safely grounded in case of leakage.
● Two-pin plugs: Two-pin plugs are usually used in low-power appliances, they do not have grounding pins, but still meet safety standards.
● Safety Plugs: Some plugs are designed with safety locks or child restraints to prevent accidental electric shock by children.
Looking back, we can see how advances in technology have changed the way we live and the design of everyday products. From the small hole in the plug to the more advanced plug design, every detail reflects the continuous pursuit of convenience, safety and efficiency. Looking to the future, we believe that technology will continue to bring us more surprises and changes to make our lives better. In short, although the small holes in the plug have become a thing of the past, the history and technological development they represent will always remain in our memory. Let's look forward to more exciting and possible things that future technology will bring us!