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How many prongs does a standard electrical plug have in the UK?
Electrical plugs in the UK have 3 prongs, similarly to the US. A Hot, a Neutral and a Ground (earth).The Ground prong, if present, is a bit longer than the others so it makes contact first when inserted into a socket. The other two prongs are partially insulated near the base of the plug. These are both safety features. As the longer ground pin makes contact first, it is less likely to fault. The partially insulated pins make it less likely someone might touch a conductive surface when inserting or removing a plug.A longer answerThe UK and Republic of Ireland use a power outlet plug and socket system which is totally different to the rest of Europe:All power socket outlets are rated at 13 amps to take a standard 13 amp plug.Each power socket has a protective insulated shutter that safely uncovers the live (or hot) and neutral holes when the plug of an appliance is inserted. The shutter immediately covers the holes over again when the plug is removed. The shutter is operated by the insertion of the earth (or ground) pin which is longer than the live and neutral pins.Each 13 amp plug has 3 rectangular (not round) pins: a live, a neutral and an earth pin. There is also a fuse that should be selected to be of the right size to protect the appliance it is attached-to.The actual plug type is known internationally as Type 'G'.It was designed for use on any normal house mains voltage or frequency and is used in the UK and other countries which have adopted the UK mains power plug and socket system for appliances. It is a very good plug and socket system but not many other countries have adopted it - probably because they didn't invent it!The Related Link shown below and the answer to the Related Question also shown below are relevant to this question.
What is a polarized electrial outlet?
In the US the larger prong is Nuetral and the smaller is Live or Positive.
Can a standard US 110 volt socket sustain 220 volts of electricity?
It could. No problem. But it is no clever idea. The socket would not be harmed, but the appliance almost certainly would.
What is the electrical current in the US?
120 volts 60 Hz AC
What is the minimum age to attend a class for electrical installation training?
To be qualified for electrical installation training in the US, you must be at least 18 years or older.
