Just taken a lease on a new office - it has some wierd looking sockets which you can't get a normal 13 amp plug into - the earth pin is too big and these sockets have a T shaped earth socket.

Anyone know what they are?

Cheers mark



Description

Yep seen them before, often used to stop the cleaner plugging her vac into a clean computer supply. I think the earth pin is the same way as the other pins

quote:

---

Several manufacturers have made deliberately incompatible variants for use where intermatability with standard plugs and sockets is not desired. Examples include filtered supplies for computer equipment and cleaners' supplies in public buildings/areas (to prevent visitors plugging things in). The most commonly seen variant is one made by MK which has a T-shaped earth pin. The Walsall Gauge 13 A plug was used by the BBC for technical supplies.

---

They are fitted to stop Doris plugging the hoover into sockets shared with sensitive computers. Or to stop numpties bringing kit from home and plugging it in.

You can buy the plugs, made by MK. See the variants section on this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BS_1363

These sockets (outboard rockers and dual earth terminals on rear) are for equipment that is expected to have a high earth leakage current i.e. computer equipment. My guess would be they are fed from a UPS and the type with non-standard earth pin is to prevent non-computer equipment from being plugged in and tripping the UPS breakers i.e. vacuum cleaner.

thanks guys

We use these sockets for our UPS supplied computer equipment - NOTE THAT YOU CAN FIT SOME STANDARD PLUGS IN THESE SOCKTETS, BUT WILL NOT HAVE A GOOD EARTH

Please by the right plugs, or replace the sockets