The real interesting question is those two holes in the end of two of the prongs.
What are they for?
A long time ago there were two little dimples inside the outlet that corresponded to those holes, they would kind of help snug the cord in place and hold it in. Modern outlets don’t need that anymore since they kind of squeeze the prongs with springs, so why are we still drilling holes in all the plugs?
Well, it turns out, that if you don’t drill them, consumers think there is something wrong with the plug and don’t want to use it. True story.
Apparently, there are places out there and manufacturers that have decided to stop drilling the holes. I’ve seen one or two of those plugs and they immediately look extremely weird.
It’s not really what the holes were made for, but there are some extension cords that have a locking feature; a pair of plastic pins moved by a lever that lock into those holes preventing it from unplugging. Handy for dragging power tools around the shop.
The real interesting question is those two holes in the end of two of the prongs.
What are they for?
A long time ago there were two little dimples inside the outlet that corresponded to those holes, they would kind of help snug the cord in place and hold it in. Modern outlets don’t need that anymore since they kind of squeeze the prongs with springs, so why are we still drilling holes in all the plugs?
Well, it turns out, that if you don’t drill them, consumers think there is something wrong with the plug and don’t want to use it. True story.
Apparently, there are places out there and manufacturers that have decided to stop drilling the holes. I’ve seen one or two of those plugs and they immediately look extremely weird.
I recently saw a video on this and they said that the holes are used in manufacturing and showed an example. I’ll see if I can find the video.
It was probably the Technology Connections one. Even if not, I strongly recommend his channel.
https://youtu.be/udNXMAflbU8
That’s the one! From the man who taught me how to use my dishwasher!
On edit: I couldn’t find the video I viewed, but this guy claims they had a purpose at one time and it’s a legacy thing.
It’s not really what the holes were made for, but there are some extension cords that have a locking feature; a pair of plastic pins moved by a lever that lock into those holes preventing it from unplugging. Handy for dragging power tools around the shop.
We just always made a loose knot where they joined.
Keeps the cords from coming unplugged and reduces the stress on the plugs
The only time I saw one was on a cheap dollar store plug. I immediately thought it was defective.
This is neat info!
There are types of locking extension cords that use them to hold the prongs in. IDK if that’s why they’re there, but that’s what they get used for.
Also, at some point during manufacturing they hang it by the holes.