>>> But just to make things complicated they fit the same plug. (there
>>> are differences between 15 and 20 amp rated sockets, but the consumer
>>> can't tell the difference by looking). It's still safe though, because
>>> a 15 amp socket is protected by a 15 amp breaker. But it can certainly
>>> be annoying.

>> It's easy to tell the difference.  If a device draws 15 amps or less,
>> the standard plug has 1 round ground prong and 2 vertical blades for
>> hot & neutral.  If a device will draw between 15 and 20 amps, then the
>> hot blade is horizontal (neutral blade is vertical & ground is round).

> Yes, those do exist, but I've never seen them installed in a residential
> setting, nor have I seen any consumer equipment that has that plug fitted. 

Well, I have a couple in my garage (I installed them).

Oddly, I've also seen them fairly commonly in the hallways of light
commercial (i.e. office) buildings.  I suspect it may be for the
floor polisher equipment since the vacuum cleaners don't need them.

						Lee

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