Random curiousity...

[Demon-Xanth]

After noticing a plug (the type that goes in a wall socket) NOT have those little holes in the prongs. I got to wondering...

...why does almost every plug have holes in thier prongs? Both the types that are made from solid metal and the types made from folded metal have holes.

Example picture.

What do those holes do?!

 

[theknight571]

Hmmm... I don't know what they're actually for, but I've seen some "lock out" devices that attach to the plug via those holes.

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

The purpose of those holes is to confuse you. Some engineers got bored way back when and thought, "what kind of pointless thing can we do to mess with Demon-Xanth's head?"

 

[nakedfrog]

You know, I've never once thought about it. But now I am. And I have no idea.

 

[nakedfrog]

Straight Dope

 

[JMWarren]

I belive it's for locking outlets. If it inserted a pin thorught those it could lock the plug into the outlet.

 

[dug777]

yeah, none here in AUS, or in teh UK iirc...