Difference between Plug and Socket

What is a Plug?

It is an element made up of two parts, plugs and sockets, both are connected allowing the passage of electric current, as they form a circuit. The plugs or male plugs are a piece of insulating material from which two metallic plugs protrude that allow the electrical connection to be established with the outlet while allowing its manipulation. They are of different types and forms according to the regulations, uses, and country.

The female plug is the one that is located in the wall, either recessed or superficially. It consists of two metal pieces that receive the pins. There are different types of plugs in the world standard for safety and capacity replacement. Each country is governed by its own rules. At the international level, ISO standards are considered, in Europe those of the European Committee for Standardization (EN), in Spain the UNE Standards, and in Argentina the IRAM Standards.

What is a Socket?

A socket or outlet is an electrical installation with slots for inserting the plug’s pins. It can be embedded in the walls of a building or surface, in order to expand the capacity of the plug and be able to connect a greater number of equipment or electrical devices. It is made up of the number of poles or output to power the load, the maximum voltage, which is the voltage it can withstand, and the maximum current, which is the amount of current it can have without heating.

Difference between Plug and Socket

• A plug is the set of outlets and male plug or pins that together form a circuit that allows the passage of electric current.
• An outlet is the part of the plug that allows the plugs to be connected.