Mains safety socket design to prevent electrocution - has sliding wedges which cover socket holes when plug is not engaged

摘要

The receptacles of the safety socket are automatically blocked by sliding insulating wedges. When the plug is not inserted. The prongs of the plug fit through the holes of a secondary plug which has a large central pin made of insulating material. The central pin forces aside the sprung loaded wedges in which the holes for the passage of the plug are now aligned with those of the socket. When the plug is inserted, the edge of the insulation on the prongs moves beyond the surface of the socket before the metallic plug tips make electrical contact. Recesses in the central pin allow it to be held firmly in the inserted position by the wedges. The design prevents objects being accidentally or deliberately inserted into the socket holes.