The Czechs figured out what the iron rod in the socket is for. Now they finally know

We have a number of things in our home that we use automatically, yet we do not know exactly the purpose, the way of use or the rules for safe operation. It’s the same with the metal pin on the front of the socket. Do you know why it is important for trouble-free operation?

Standard and designer electrical outlets

When renovating or building a property, we deal with the selection of sockets in detail. We are interested in the color, appearance and quality of execution. This is perhaps the last time we think about the function of the individual parts of the socket. Later, we will start using the sockets completely automatically, and the only thing you will worry about is the constant lack of them or their placement elsewhere than we need, despite the fact how carefully we planned.

Necessary socket components

In a regular socket there are two holes and a prominent metal pin in the middle part. The metal rod has an important function. It is a ground pin and is required to ensure safety when using electrical equipment. If the electric current happens to escape from the device, it is diverted to the cable. A metal conductor sends current to a ground rod that is buried nearby. The excess electric current cannot then cause a serious injury, because instead of the user’s body, it goes safely to the ground.

What happens in a short circuit

Should a short circuit occur in the connected electrical equipment, its electrical conductors are in contact with the equipment. In a situation without a ground pin in the outlet, the current would pass through the body of anyone who touches the device. And electrocution can have fatal consequences. The earth pin is an important protection mechanism and prevents serious consequences in case of electric shock.

Holes in electrical outlet

The other two holes on the electrical socket are connected on the left side with the phase conductor and on the right side with the neutral conductor. The deployment is targeted and again serves for safe operation. Of course, the connection of electricity is only possible through one hole, but the electric charge would then only flow into the device and accumulate in it. This would again increase the risk of electric shock. The flow of electric current from the phase (power supply) to the neutral conductor is necessary for trouble-free operation.

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