Why Do Electrical Plugs Have Holes ??

[billt]

This guy goes the long way around the barn to explain this. But his answer makes no sense. At 2:45 in the video he states that, "Companies aren't going to make more money by, "filling those holes in". That makes no sense, because it takes an extra step in manufacturing to install them in the first place. (drilling / stamping). You can't "fill in" what's already there.

By eliminating even a small part of the manufacturing process, it is going to save money. Especially over tens of millions of units, over years of manufacturing. It's an extra, unnecessary step, regardless of how you look at it. He did prove they're not needed. (Nothing in the female plug uses them to achieve greater retention.)

So, why are they needed? This guy did do a pretty good job and explaining why they're not needed. But he failed at answering the very question his video was supposed to answer.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db-dt5U3MCc

[alfsauve]

It's not an extra step because it's just part of the stamping process and those copper pieces are recycled, saving money.
You can do a lockout, frequently with zip ties,
And yes there are, at least in quality sockets, a matching bump which aids in retention.

[billt]

It's not an extra step because it's just part of the stamping process and those copper pieces are recycled, saving money.

Perhaps, but it requires a more complicated stamping die, that costs more to produce. I'm not saying the scrap from those small holes can't be sold to offset the cost. But I would like to see where the break even point is...... Or even if there is any? And are they solid copper or even brass? Copper is very soft, as is brass. They would bend very easily. Most all of the plugs I've messed with are very hard to bend, (i.e. made from steel). And are only plated to prevent rust and corrosion.

[tombogan03884]

I bet they come in handy for positioning for plug assembly as well.

https://home.howstuffworks.com/two-flat-prong-plug-holes.htm#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20reasons%20for%20the%20holes%3A%20If,outlet%20can%20grip%20the%20plug%27s%20prongs%20more%20firmly.

[billt]

I bet they come in handy for positioning for plug assembly as well.

This is a possibility if they utilize the holes with retractable positioning pins in the plug mold itself. Most all male electrical plugs manufactured today are a one piece design, molded around the metal portion of the plug and it's wire. This is easier, cheaper, and stronger, and also makes the entire unit more waterproof.

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[MikeBjerum]

The answer as to "Why":

WHADITW

We Have Always Done It This Way

[tombogan03884]

The answer as to "Why":

WHADITW

We Have Always Done It This Way