USA uses which power socket??

[NeoNSX]

Quick last minute Question. I bought an Aussie-to-USA power adapter, but now i'm confused... which type of plug is most widely used in the US? I have one with the earth (3-pin)

<IMG SRC="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9a/A_plug.jpg">

<IMG SRC="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0d/B_plug.jpg">

 

[NsXMas]

Both will work, Neo. The voltage is 110-120v AC.

Both plugs are widely deployed. The hotel room will have the 3 pin, but a 2 pin will work in it just fine.

See ya.

 

[NSXLNT]

Bottom photo, three pin ( hot, neutral, earth )

 

[NeoNSX]

Thanks! you guys are awesome.

<IMG SRC="http://members.optusnet.com.au/~neonsx/youre_awesome.gif">

I didn't want to get other there with the 3-pin converter, and you have 2 pins in the wall.

 

[Briank]

The 3 pin is the standard, you will only find 2 pin in homes 40 years old or more. 120 VAC, 60HZ

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

I found that plug you guys using in the US a bit...well..weird.

Overhere there's among the electronics guys always made fun of (aka, the mickey mouse plug).
For us, the US is about 'safety first', everything has a label, don't do this, do that, be carefull blah blah, but this design of this plug is unbelievable.
Them pins can be bend outwards fairly easy, making it leathal in a sec. I have also seen some plugs which where 45 degree angled, and another plug could be inserted on the top of it, but also could be shifted one pin, making the other ping just hang out freely, making it again, a leathal design.
I for one think the UK design is much better.

Is it common to see accidents happen with that plug?

 

[MarkB]

At least at 110 volts the odds of doing serious damage is far less than w/ 220 volts.:biggrin:

When working on household wiring, I very rarely even trip the breaker prior to the job.

 

[NSXLNT]

Mark, it's the milliamps that will lock up your heart, not the volts. Be careful.
Neo, NSXMAS is correct - the 2 prong plug will work in a 3 prong outlet. The third prong is for connection to earth. 2 prong plugs only use neutral and hot, and are still used, but mostly only for double-insulated devices. Modern 2 prong plugs have one blade larger than the other. This is for the neutral, and the wall receptacle is designed to accept the plug only one way. You can see this in the photo you provided.
Dutch, the most common accident occurs when someone cuts off the third (earth ) prong so as to use the cord in a 2 prong receptacle. This results in a non-double insulated device being left without a safety grounding path, ending up with someone getting electrocuted. There are adapters available, but it is more than a matter of simply plugging them in. You need to attch the adapter to the wall receptacle with a screw, whhich effectively provides a path to earth.

 

[MAJOR STONER]

Don't forget to pack your swim trunks...