Microblog post: "My son is only in 10th grade and look what he invented!! Harvard here we come!". Pictures of a frame that holds a cable that can be attached to the metal of a power plug
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[–] 2 points 4 days ago (7 children)

Umm… why the actual F are you able to even have anything contact the pins when an appliance is connected? Only the US and UK could possibly use this stupid design, or is this widespread?

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  • [–] 5 points 4 days ago* (5 children)

    The UK design probably wouldn't short this but still a dangerous thing to do. The live and neurtal pins are insulated so by the time they have made contact in the socket there are no bare pins to make contact externally.

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  • [–] 3 points 4 days ago* (1 child)

    Thank you for the clarification, that makes sense. Interesting solution to an otherwise very deadly problem.

    Edit: Are these insulated pins required by law, or it’s an optional thing?

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  • [–] 2 points 4 days ago

    In the UK we have a standard which is kind of the authority of ensuring items confirm and are safe. These plugs will be BS 1363 (BS means British Standard). If you Google that you'll find the details.

    The sockets have an internal mechanism which only opens when the top ground plug which is longer pushes the live and neutral open while they are so far in that they are insulated.

    It really is a very well thought out design. It's not often I get to feel proud being British but this design is one that I do!

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  • [–] 3 points 4 days ago (1 child)

    I wonder if it would be legal to build a home in the US that uses UK plugs, at a glance these seem far superior (at least in terms of safety)

    When I was a kid I used to plug a lamp in half way and stick my finger in between the prongs because I was so curious. Never got hurt. If I ever have a kid they will probably do the same if they're anything like me...

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