> > My brain sees the two outer pins as being phase/neutral and the inner
> > structure being the magnetic latch. The two rusty vertical bars may be
> > magnet poles which attract the flat plate in the jug. Just maybe the
> > magnetic latching also switches the power, but I think not.

> That's the way my brain sees it too. I am wondering though, whether the
> contacts are sprung and close the circuit when the plug is connected.
> It looks as though the pins on the appliance might possibly push the
> contacts a little way in.

That was probably in 2001 so memory fadeth somewhat.
As I recall I took the photo because I was impressed at its sheer
lethality. I don't remember doing so but, as I definitely had tools
with me, I would have tested for voltage when disconnected and a
switch action. It would certainly be easy to use the magnet to close
the circuit.  My somewhat-recall is that it was always-on. Offer me a
110 VAC shock across the fingers of one hand or dousing with boiling
water or boiling oil and I'd go for the electric shock. Electric shock
from hand to informal local ground via other body path I'd be less
keen on but, having survived too many at 230 VAC I'd probably take
that too as an option. Unwise choice probably as with the electric
shock you are playing Russian Roulette with death whereas with the
frier the deaths per year in the USA for 20 years up to 1991 were
about 0.33 pa and bad burns about 3 or 4 pa. Electric shock deaths
hand contact to bare cord at 100 VAC would probably be much higher and
for 230 VAC much higher again.

A standard for using a magnetically attached break away power cord for
deep fryers was apparently introduced in the US in July  2001- the aim
being to stop the fryer being pulled over by tugging on the cord.

The unit I saw was probably already old at that date.

     http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/07/03/deep.fryers/

Villaware deep fryer manual. Has magnetically attached UL approved
breakaway cord which is mentioned as a matter of fact with no razz
matazz re technology etc.

            http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/popeilfamilystore/v41004pm.pdf

Macrumors discussion

>>> Jan 14, 2006, 04:26 PM http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-=
173316.html

1) Apple patent threatened by Fryer art ...

       hahaha, very good.

Notes:

2) I'm living in Japan, and every rice-cooker and hot water machine
has a magnetic power cord. In the states, most people don't have these
appliances, so you wouldn't notice.

__________________

> I can't quite believe they would design a magnetic plug for safety
> purposes in one area and overlook another. Although maybe the photo
> makes the contacts look nearer and more accessible than they really are.

Photo was taken because of the apparent dangerousness.
--=20
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