Label the three pins.
(a) Why is top pin thicker and longer than the other two?
(b) Why are the pins split at the ends?
Solution:
The three pins in the plug are denoted as E, L and N.
The earth pin is denoted by the letter E.
The letter L stands for live wire, and
The letter N stands for neutral wire.
(a) The earth pin is made long in order to make the earth connection initially. If the appliance is malfunctioning, the current goes to the earth as soon as the live pin is connected, and the fuse blows off, ensuring the user’s safety. The earth pin is thicker so that it cannot be accidentally put into the live or neutral connection hole.
(b) The pins are split at the ends to create a spring action, allowing them to fit securely into the socket holes.