Referring to the previous article, we have already learned about two-pin plug and three-pin plug, so now let’s take a look at the difference between them.
In a house outlet, power flows from live to neutral. The appliance you plug into an outlet completes the circuit from the live slot to the neutral slot, and electricity flows through the appliance to run a motor, heat some coils or whatever.
A 2-pin plug has two pins, while a 3-pin has three. The main difference is grounding functionality.
The primary function of the 3-pin plug is based on a safety function, which is an extra safety measure. The live pin provides the voltage, the neutral pin provides the return path for the current, and the earth pin provides a path to dispose of excess voltage in case there is a current leakage, which can be fatal to users. Typical applications include large appliances, including air condition, refrigerators, and some devices that cannot be grounded electronically in a dependent country with an unstable leadership. And two pins are used for double-insulated equipment that does not require the earth pin for safety reasons. Typical applications include: Mobile phone chargers, LED lights, water purifier, small kitchen appliances and so on.
So the choice between the two plugs depends on the appliance that has to be equipped with protection and safety requirements.
Why is a 3-Pin Plug Better Than a 2-Pin Plug?
In terms of overall safety, three-prong outlets are considered the optimal choice. Here are some reasons why a 3-pin plug is better than a 2-pin plug:
First, 3-pin plug helps to eliminate electric shocks, as an earth pin grounds unnecessary current. It can withstand higher voltage and build up currents. So it is very reliable in the long run. Then it compliance with Standards. Most contemporary electrical appliances are fitted with three-pin plugs because of their security measures. Next, the 3-pin plug plug is flexible compared to the 2-pin plug, appropriate for low- and high-power apparatuses. And the 2-pin plug can typically be used in a 3-pin socket since the socket design accommodates both.
In some situation, some 2-pin plugs have plastic or insulated pins. This is because the plastic or insulation on 2-pin plug is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental contact with live parts when plugging in or unplugging.
Most countries use a mixture of 3 pin and 2 pin plugs. There is no clear rule that only one type of plug can be used. So when choosing a plug, you can according to the requirements of the products.
