Why does the UK use 3-pin plugs?

Prong Design: Like standard U.S. grounded plugs, the U.K. wall plug has three prongs. The U.K. plug is designed so that the grounding prong is slightly longer than the prongs responsible for transferring current.

Why are British power plugs so big?

The reason plugs in the UK are so big is that each one must be individually fused. And the reason for that is something called a “ring circuit”. But this means that the wires going to an individual appliance are far too small for the main breaker, so each appliance gets a fuse in the plug.

What is a Type G 3-pin plug?

The Type G electrical plug is a British three-pin rectangular blade plug that has a protective fuse inside to protect cords from high-current circuits. Type G outlets generally include safety switches.

When did 3 prong plugs become standard?

1969
In 1969, Underwriters Laboratories mandated three-prong plugs on major appliances for safety. At that time, only half of the receptacles in US homes were three-prong.

Does UK use type G plug?

This electrical socket is common in: GB, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, British sockets also have shutters on the live and neutral contacts to prevent the introduction of foreign objects. The Type G plug is used for currents up to 13 A.

How does a 3 prong plug work?

When a 3-prong plug is plugged into the receptacle, the grounding wire is connected to the prong and provides a continuous grounding path from the appliance back to the breaker box. This grounding path serves as a primary safety means if there is a short circuit or other damage to the electrical circuit or appliance.

Why is the earth point of 3-pin plug made thicker and longer?

The earth pin is long so that the earth connection is made first. This ensures the safety of the user because if the appliance is defective, the fuse will blow off. The earth pin is made thicker so that even by mistake it cannot be inserted into the hole for the live or neutral connection of the socket.