The plug is a current-carrying electrical installation device for temporary connection to the power supply network. It is used in conjunction with a plug box, popularly known as a socket. The structural elements of the plug must ensure a reliable connection with the elements of the socket and the electrical installation. It is necessary to have a strong body shell, a reliable electrical connection of the pins and the cable, as well as reliable insulation and good mechanical grip of the cable for electrical protection for the user of the device.
The plug device consists of:
- Body: made of two halves of plastic. All the components of the plug are mounted in the base and are structurally made with sufficient mechanical strength to cover and protect the live parts from contact;
grounding (zeroing) plates and screw for connecting the grounding wire;
- Clamp for securing the output cable (cord) of the plug;
- Contact pins: made of brass, have a hole and a screw for reinforcement and reliable electrical contact with the cable wire.
Structurally, plugs are shaped differently depending on the application and operating conditions. The main connection dimensions for connection and the way of plugging into the boxes are standardized in individual regions or countries. This diversity makes it impossible to connect some plugs to sockets of another standard. In Bulgaria, the standard used in the European Union for plugs and sockets for alternating current of the Schuko type has been adopted.
The plug is used to connect electrical appliances to the mains. When plugged into the mains, the terminals conduct current to the connecting cable, which in turn conducts current to the relevant appliance. The cable is also insulated and is usually long so that the appliances can be placed in a convenient place for the user.
TYPES OF PLUG
Plugs are divided into two-phase for 6 and 10 A and three-phase up to 25 A. In addition, they come with and without a grounding terminal. They are made of bakelite or porcelain with brass pins.
- Ordinary two-phase plugs for 6 and 10 A are used in two-phase sockets, mainly for household needs, at voltages up to 220 V.
- Two-phase "schuko" type plugs with a cylindrical body and a grounding terminal are used for two-phase "schuko" type sockets in industrial and domestic buildings for a voltage of 220 V and a current of 10 A.
- Three-phase "schuko" type plugs, which are flat and have a grounding terminal, are used for three-phase installations in industrial enterprises for a voltage of 380 V and a current of 25 A.
- The plug is a type of socket. The plug is connected to a cable and a plug for connection to the network and is used in the household, connecting to the contact pins of portable electrical appliances - irons, coffee makers, grills, pepper mills, party grills, etc.
Plugs must be designed so that when switched on or when being switched on and off, there is no possibility of touching their metal parts through which current flows.
WHICH PLUG SHOULD WE CHOOSE?
Depending on the situation and for different appliances, it is appropriate to use different types of plugs. We recommend that you opt for a "schuko" type plug for low-voltage appliances with a voltage of 220 V. Ordinary plugs are used mostly when working with very low voltage appliances or those that are powered by an adapter. It is not recommended to use them with appliances operating with 220 V, especially if they have a metal casing, as they do not allow for zeroing.
For heating appliances and stoves, so-called “reinforced” plugs should be used. Their housing is more durable and does not heat up easily.
The single-phase plug works with 220 V appliances and is usually connected to a three-wire cable. The three-phase plug is for a higher voltage – 380 V.
If you need to replace a melted or burnt plug and you are doing this for the first time, we recommend that you seek the assistance of an electrician or an experienced craftsman. With their help, choose the appropriate plug and perform the replacement, so as not to risk wasting your money, and most importantly, your health.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you can find plugs of all types: ordinary two-phase, two-phase Schuko type, three-phase, plug. Standardization does not allow improvisations in the shapes and design of the product, which is almost the same everywhere on the market, but the advantage of our store over the competition is in more favorable prices. We also offer plugs with a handle, which guarantee greater convenience and safety in their use. We also have a cable with a key and a plug.
In our store you will also find many consumables from the field of electrical equipment. The products in this group are from the brands VIVALUX, KVAZER, ELMARK, FAMATEL, PHILIPS, ATRA and others.
