Holes in blades of North American AC plugs

[SGiard]

Anybody knows what the holes in the blades of conventional 120VAC male plugs are for?

 

[crutschow]

Save on metal?

But it may be to provide a slight wiping action to make a better contact as you plug them into a socket.

 

[Mike_2545]

For locking receptacles


See this link #10, 11, 12 Museum of Plugs and Sockets:North American types

 

[SGiard]

Very interesting link...

Thanks a lot Mike2545!

 

[crutschow]

According to Wikipedia "The small hole near the end of the power (non-ground) blades of some NEMA plugs is used for convenience in manufacturing"

 

[DerStrom8]

Inside the receptacle, there is a little "bump" formed into the sides. The holes in the prongs fit over these "bumps" to help "lock" the plug in place, making it more difficult to slide out of the outlet. This reduces the chances of accidental electrocution (not that you'd do it on purpose ) which could result from a plug sliding partially out of the socket.
Der Strom

 

[SGiard]

Well thanks to all of you guys, I really tried finding the answer on the web but did not find anything. Humans are still superior to computers... Hooray!

 

[Sceadwian]

Nahh, just means you need to search better