Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Thanks, Al.

Yes, that looks to be a much nicer design.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

The receptacle shown is a NEMA type 5-20R, of course the US version doesn't use the earth terminal. The neutral slot is "T" shaped to accommodate either the 15 amp or the 20 amp plug. The 20 amp plug has the neutral prong perpendicular to the live.
BTW, a circuit breaker provided for overcurrent protection is only good for 80% continuous load. 8-o

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I'm surprised that nobody has come up with an IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) design for a 13A plug. It would have made fitting a lot easier.

Cut the three wires to the same length, shove them unstripped into the relevant holes, and tighten the cover [which pushes the wires onto a a set of sharp pins to pierce the insulation and complete the circuit].

There is a form of IDC used on the 'festoon' bulbholders for things like large christmas-tree lights or to illuminate scaffolding.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

AFAIK festoon lampholders are designed for use with a specific type of cable and only have to carry light currents. I can foresee difficulties in designing an IDC contact that would be useable with a wide range of conductor sizes and be capable of carrying 13A.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

The IBM Selectric III I once had came with a really nice moulded plug with the IBM logo cast into it. It was unique as it had a 'ring pull' design for easy withdraw.

Does anybody have any photographs?

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I've not seen an IBM-type plug but the 'ring pull' types (with a domed lump on the cover with a circular hole through it) were common a few decades ago, their target market being people with grip-limiting disabilities. One of my relatives had some - she used to hook them out using the handle of her walking-stick because this was easier than trying to poke the on/off switch on the socket with the aforementioned stick.

Versions are still available - https://www.electrovision.co.uk/home...productid=8754

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I have just been back to post#51 and there is an RS branded easy pull plug partly visible top right with an orange one of unknown brand to its immediate right.
It will come out if ever the ones above it get used;D

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Bought a table lamp yesterday - not for the lamp itself, just because I like the fitted plug!

Reminds me very much of the lovely Legrand slimline plug.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Those BICC/Legrand did have an unfortunate flaw though.

The cord-grip screws are slightly longer than the ones that secure the back, and if you mix them up it rather ruins it as an exhibit

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

As a sidenote to this thread, today's plug-experience came about as part of some kitchen remodelling.

For the last 15 years or so, hidden in the spider-and-woodlouse-retirement-home which is the void behind the kitchen-units I've had a MK "ToughPlug" at the head of a 2-way extension lead that feeds the washing-machine and the little fridge. Remodelling meant this extension lead was rather too long so I decided to shorten it - however when I took the old cable out both the Nylon springy cord-grips shattered.

The offending ToughPlug got unceremoniously hurled into the bin. Fortunately I have a shedload of 2.5mm cables with moulded-on 13A plugs, courtesy of that nice Mr. Dell, who always insisted on sending a bunch of 13A kettle-leads when I ordered datacentre-switches despite me specifying 16A IEC-to-IEC leads. A few minutes with some side-cutters and a screwdriver and kitchen-harmony was restored.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Given that the plug is used in an inaccessible location as part of a semi-permanent installation, lack of a cord grip wouldn't bother me. I'd probably fit a large ty-rap or two though just squashed between the plug top and bottom.

Certain "agricultural" similar installations I've met using 2.5sq mm T&E into similar plugs can't fit any strain relief in anyway....... :-)

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I think the Admiralty-pattern terminals would have led me to retain it, in those circumstances.
You don't often see actual engineering in mains plugs any more.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Another couple of plugs rom my small collection.

The hook on the Legrand plug is held in place by a very strong double sided sticky pad. I cannot prove if it was supplied this way from the factory. The fact that it has never been attached to a cable does make this a possibility.

The second plug is an R.S. branded surge protector plug currently powering my workbench. The marking on the base is CMPTS Made in England. Not come across that name before.

Al

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

It does my heart good to see a plug so beautifully wired! :thumbsup:

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Hmm, I'd like to see a bit more outer into "safety" beyond the cord grip and less loop on the neutral (though that's just cosmetic, really).

What? Me picky? ;D

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Lancs Lad. Thank you for the kind words.

Chris, I totally agree with you re the amount of sheath after the cord grip. My excuse is that the cable is 1.5 square mm(16A) rather than than normal 13A cable and was harder to manipulate.

Al

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

It looks like a WG plug, which can also be found with Volex branding.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

It does have a Volex look about it. Even the plastic feels the same. I will have a look on the interweb for CMPTS.

Edit: Searching for CMPTS did not provide a direct link to Volex, however, the second result in the search results points to an Ebay page where every listing is for a Volex product.

Al

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I have a few of that style of WG plug aswell.

A couple of them are branded 'electra', which came on appliances bought from our local Electricity Board showroom, back in the 1980s, and several that are branded 'ASDA', from that particular supermarket in the 1990s.

The others all came from Woolworths, including one with an integral neon, and a red-coloured one.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I have dug out my RS branded easy pull plug.
They were good for scope trolleys in the day with a rope or chain from the loop to the frame of the trolley.