Why Do Electrical Plugs Have Holes in Them?

If your anything like me, you’ll have the most random thoughts at random times. While sitting down to write this blog, I saw someone plug their charger into an outlet, noticing holes on the two prongs (like the ones shown in the photo). In my head, I thought “Hey, that would be a decent blog idea!”

So why do they have holes one may ask?

Many outlets have small bumps inside of them, which will slightly stick in those holes, giving more grip to the prongs (McGregor). This is important because a heavy cord could weigh down and pull out a plug, and the bumps work to counter-act that.

This is the reason there is an ability to have outlets on ceilings, without gravity yanking the cord back to the ground. Outlets are sometimes, but rarely, even made with spring-loaded locks, which stick in the holes of the prongs. The reason most don't is the fact that once the plug is in, you would have to take out the entire outlet to remove it.

As always, thanks for reading this week's blog, and hopefully you learned some rather useless information!

McGregor, Conrad. “Power Plug & Outlet Types A & B.” WorldStandards, 15 Mar. 2021, www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ab/#:~:text=Type%20A%20and%20B%20plugs,t%20there%20without%20a%20reason.&text=These%20bumps%20fit%20into%20the,of%20the%20plug%20and%20cord.