ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades BC light bulbs in France?

They've gotten better now though...they look sort of like triangles with three monstrous pins sticking out of them.

Maybe they made them that big because the designers wanted to be SURE that the insides were going to be properly insulated?

I think I have a couple of those old BS546 round plugs somewhere in my junk boxes.

I've also seen one which was a peculiar design: The triangular shape as Sven described, but with a large bulbous top cover.

Sven:

They're a prime example of over-engineering at its best!

Certainly wouldn't have had an over-heating problem!


Paul:

There's an unusual BS1363 plug knocking around here somewhere too. Very old but has an integrated switch on the top!

Made by MK.

Pretty bulky sticks out of the wall quite a bit.

Was used on an old iron.

[This message has been edited by djk (edited 10-15-2003).]

Schuko plugs with switches also exist. Old ones even had a rotary switch. I remember one being used on a very old tumble dryer. I use one on a short extension cord to kill power to plug pack transformers without having to unplug them. Due to the fact they're angle plugs they're actually quite small.

Yes, I remember the switched MK plugs, although it's been a while since I've seen one.

As I recall, the extra layer of switch and connections appears as almost an insert between the plug base and top, making the whole thing about a quarter-inch deeper. Considering the widespread use of switched outlets, at least in domestic work, it's not surprising that switched plugs never really caught on.

I think MK did a version with both switch and a neon indicator light on the front as well.

I have a couple of BS-546 5-amp plugs with switches on the top -- and with neon indicator lights!!

A coworker in our Hong Kong office picked them up for me.