Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

That might be quite sensible on a DC supply.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

More than 2 Pete and it Is a collection!

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

WOW, I did not expect this thread to blow up like this, I was astonished when I saw 21 replies!
This website is amazing, thanks for all of the replies, I have been wondering if there were any other eccentrics out there that had a collection (for want of a better word),thanks for the replies!
Tom

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Hospitals use a modified BS1363 with a T shaped Earth pin for critical equipment to prevent "normal" plugs being inserted.

Peter

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Sorry if I'm missing something here, Peter, but wouldn't a 'normal' plug still fit into the modified socket you describe?

Surely it's the modified plug that wouldn't fit into a 'normal' socket?

I'm probably wrong! I've puzzled over this so much this morning, that I am starting to doubt myself ??? :-/

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Yes it suits Crabtree interlocking sockets, one is shown in the attached photo. It's the polished brass one and a plug is shown with it. A nice idea but the sockets only accept Crabtree interlocking plugs, normal plugs will not allow the socket to be switched on. Similarly if you put one of the Crabtree interlocking plugs in a normal socket it will get stuck on most socket shutter mechanisms, and will remain permanently jammed in the socket. If the socket can't be dismantled the socket will likely need to be destroyed to remove the plug.

The MK non standard plug earth pin is shorter than a standard 13A plug pin, so standard plugs won't fit. If you are really determined you can file down the top of a standard plug pin to make them fit, all the other dimensions are the same.

I prefer sockets to plugs, some are shown attached. 3 are interlocking, though sadly the vertical one has had most of the interlocking mechanism removed, and the brown MK for some reason has had part of the mechanism modified so the socket can be switched on without a plug inserted, it still locks the plug in place though, and the design means no special plug is needed.

Edit: Sorry that photo isn't of good quality...

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I confess I have a few and light switches too. I still have to find a few of the white dolly switches and a few of the French and German 1920 to 1940's ones.

Regards, Robin.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I was once the "proud owner" of one of these locking plug/socket combinations, I seem to recall it came from the home of one of my great Aunts after they were rewired.
As mentioned earlier I lost a number of these in various house moves.

Andrew

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Here are some modern plugs and sockets from my Far Eastern travels.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

It could be a replacement!

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I have got my very own Big Clive Chinese Deathdapter!

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I know-not who made this "metalclad" socket but it sits on the wall beside the back door to my kitchen and gets regular use powering angle-grinders, belt-sanders and similar powertool-stuff-I-don't-want-to-use-in-the-house.

In winter, via an 'arctic grade' extension-lead it feeds a 3Kw thermostatic fan-heater in the footwell of my Land-Rover - so even if mornings are frosty the car's always nice-and-toastily-warm when I need to go out!

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

That is a Lewden socket, a matching plug was made that was held on with a threaded ring to keep out the rain. I have the modern version outside my house.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

It's an indictment on the variable quality of modern 13A plugs that i feel the need to retain any older MK ones that come my way. They inspire confidence in me, sleeved pins or not.

Dave

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Somewhere I've got a screw-down "Clang/Niphan" plug in the same overall style/casing as my outdoor 13A socket.

Alas the Niphan is a 15A round-pin one.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

I have the socket and plug.
Attachment 183254 Attachment 183255 Attachment 183256
It's very fiddly thread the wires into those deep channels...
Attachment 183257
...But I've just noticed if you undo the central screw the retaining ring comes off and all of the brass-ware pulls out. If only I knew that 40 years' ago.
Attachment 183258

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Has anyone still got a Fitall plug?
Back in the day, it was the plug-of-choice for field techs to have on their irons.

It didn't fit the Wylex sockets I encountered frequently though.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

The Engineers friend. The Pargo. Used on my Weller gun for many years would fit all our local plugs including 3Z and N MK sockets.... I will find one of mine and post photograph later.

Bob.

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

Photographs.

Bob

Re: Any other plug collectors out there?
 

You're lucky to have both - also you're lucky that your socket has the little chain that retains the screw-on cover. My little chain was absent when I bought the house. I thought of making something up using a bath-plug chain but I'm not sure if chrome-plating would look right in the situation.