2 Pin / 3 Pin Plugs

[andyschest]

I want to make sure I can charge my various devices when I come there in the Summer so I'm thinking about what power adaptor I need to get.

I think you have both 2 and 3 pin sockets. Which are they likely to have in the hotel? What's the difference (yes, I know - 1 pin! :D ) and can I plug a 2 pin plug into a 3 pin socket without any problem? Thanks.

[ManhattanKnight]

I want to make sure I can charge my various devices when I come there in the Summer so I'm thinking about what power adaptor I need to get.

I think you have both 2 and 3 pin sockets. Which are they likely to have in the hotel? What's the difference (yes, I know - 1 pin! :D ) and can I plug a 2 pin plug into a 3 pin socket without any problem? Thanks.


Don't worry about the third pin (no need to understand what it's for). 2-pin plugs work in 3-pin sockets (except, of course, 2-pin European-style plugs). Most hotels will have 3-pin sockets.

[andyschest]

Don't worry about the third pin (no need to understand what it's for). 2-pin plugs work in 3-pin sockets (except, of course, 2-pin European-style plugs). Most hotels will have 3-pin sockets.
Thanks. I can get sorted now.

[antinimby]

The Danger of Electrical Shock

Electric power does a tremendous amount of work. But because it’s such a powerful force, we need to be very careful with it.

People are injured or killed every year by electricity. The reasons are almost always carelessness, a faulty appliance or tool, or a lack of knowledge about how electricity works. You can reduce electrical injuries and death by doing three things:

Understanding how electricity works

Recognizing potential electrical hazards

Learning about safety devices that prevent shock.
Electricity naturally flows to the earth, or to ground, through anything that will conduct electrical current. There are some compounds, like wood and glass, that are not good conductors of electricity. But electricity will pass through the human body, sometimes with fatal results, trying to get to ground. If an appliance or tool is faulty or has a shorted wire, for example, the electric current may try to find another path to ground. That’s why electrical systems should always be grounded. A safe path to ground for electricity is away from your body and confined within whatever piece of electrical equipment you’re using.

Three-Prong Plugs. You may have noticed that the electrical outlets in most homes now have three-wire receptacles that accommodate electrical cords with three-prong plugs. The third prong provides a path to ground along which the electric current travels. Most major appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators, and computers, have three-prong plugs, meaning they are grounded. Most older homes do not have three-wire receptacles. If yours does not, you should have an electrician rewire the home to accommodate the three-prong plugs. Although three-prong adapters can be purchased, they are not recommended for permanent use. Also remember never to clip the third prong off a plug to make it fit a two-hole outlet.

http://www.tva.gov/power/images/plug.gif


GFCI. Another device that’s commonly used to prevent shocks in the home is a ground fault circuit interrupter. These are usually installed in wall-mounted receptacles in areas where electricity and water are most likely to come in contact, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and outdoors. They have buttons that are marked TEST and RESET. GFCIs monitor electric current and can switch a circuit off before injury occurs. Most electric hair dryers come equipped with GFCIs on their plugs. Consumers are advised to consult a qualified licensed electrician about installing these safety devices, although many newer homes have them already.

It’s advisable to use tools and appliances with three-prong grounding plugs, even if you have a GFCI. Portable, or temporary, GFCIs are available, but they should not be used as a permanent alternative to wall-mounted, receptacle-type GFCIs

More here (http://www.tva.gov/power/homesafety.htm).

[andyschest]

Three-Prong Plugs. You may have noticed that the electrical outlets in most homes now have three-wire receptacles that accommodate electrical cords with three-prong plugs. The third prong provides a path to ground along which the electric current travels. More here (http://www.tva.gov/power/homesafety.htm).
I see. So that's the equivalent of our Earth pin here in the UK. I think we've had that for about 50 years, so it's surprising it's fairly new for you. Thanks for the info.

[andyschest]

I wonder if someone could help me with a subsequent question. I've bought a US adaptor for my mp3 player but I noticed that the 2 blades are the same size. I thought they should be different sizes. Do you think this will be a problem?

[MidtownGuy]

No problem, it will still fit. My ipod charger is that way. They call that plug non-polarized I think.

[andyschest]

No problem, it will still fit. My ipod charger is that way. They call that plug non-polarized I think.
Excellent. Thanks.