California plug?

[derekleffew]

What the heck is a California plug, or California-Style connector? And why? Is the electricity different in California? Swimmin' pools and movie stars? Can they be used (legally) in other states?

 

[65535]

We sure do like our swimming pools, I think I may just go for a swim today in-fact.

I cheated and looked them up, I think I have an idea of what makes them so special, I didn't realize they where named after the state though, that's cool.

I have a feeling they where designed as an impromptu form of punishment for any green techies that screwed up wiring somewhere, just prod them with an extra connector, things are pointy.

 

[metti]

240V 50A twist lock connector (up to 480V if need be). Commonly used on small power distros and for connecting smaller power distros to larger ones. Frequently called by its initials (CS). Three prongs around the edge and one spikey contact in the middle. I have no clue how it got its name.

 

[Anvilx]

Isn't it a CEEform connector or something very similar. If I remember correctly, they can be used elsewhere but nobody uses them because they don't have the government encroaching upon their lives forcing them to use them.

 

[metti]

Isn't it a CEE form connector or something very similar. If I remember correctly, they can be used elsewhere but nobody uses them because they don't have the government encroaching upon their lives forcing them to use them.

They are definitely different than a CEE form connector. People also use them throughout the rest of the country (and maybe the world?). I have seen them most commonly in power distros for sound gear. Often they are used to connect smaller distros in amp racks to a larger distro with cams or something along those lines.

 

[cdub260]

In California we have our own gas formula, our own smog rules, our own OSHA, even our own sushi rolls. Why shouldn't we have our own plug?

 

[porkchop]

We use them for power distribution because they tend to be easier to work with and they are more rugged than the smaller style. Here's a few pictures to help you identify these in the future.




This is the 3 phase pinout, single phase the keys go out on the pins.

 

[chausman]

In California we have our own gas formula, our own smog rules, our own OSHA, even our own sushi rolls. Why shouldn't we have our own plug?

You have enough...We need something special for Washington. OR better yet, Idaho! (Is there even anyone from Idaho on CB? well, I'm almost in Idaho

And I suppose I could answer other questions other what they heck the thing is, NO Derek, electricity is no different in California as it is in other parts of the country (or world). I'm assuming that they wouldn't be illegal in other states, mainly because I could buy one from Amazon in the state of Washington (Those things are expensive!!!!) and why would California have something that couldn't be used in other states (They seem to be stricter about some things).

 

[DuckJordan]

You have enough...We need something special for Washington. OR better yet, Idaho! (Is there even anyone from Idaho on CB? well, I'm almost in Idaho

And I suppose I could answer other questions other what they heck the thing is, NO Derek, electricity is no different in California as it is in other parts of the country (or world). I'm assuming that they wouldn't be illegal in other states, mainly because I could buy one from Amazon in the state of Washington (Those things are expensive!!!!) and why would California have something that couldn't be used in other states (They seem to be stricter about some things).

Idaho has potatoes they always have probably always will... Ever hear of something coming out of South Dakota? Technically any plug can be used anywhere(as long as it is rated for the connection), while it may be more difficult without adapters to allow other connections to said plug.

 

[chausman]

Idaho has potatoes they always have probably always will...

(More against my point but...) Washington outgrew Idaho last year in potatoes! No, what has come out of South Dakota? People looking for a big city? *ducks*

Good point about the adapters for it.

 

[FMEng]

Idaho has potatoes they always have probably always will... Ever hear of something coming out of South Dakota?

Yes, credit cards come out of South Dakota. It must be something about their banking regulations.

 

[porkchop]

Technically any plug can be used anywhere(as long as it is rated for the connection)

You have apparently never worked with my old boss, ratings don't change what you CAN use a plug for, it just matters what you SHOULD use a certain plug for. He is also the man that told me to twist two pieces of 12 gauge wire together because we ran out of 8 gauge.

 

[mstaylor]

You have apparently never worked with my old boss, ratings don't change what you CAN use a plug for, it just matters what you SHOULD use a certain plug for. He is also the man that told me to twist two pieces of 12 gauge wire together because we ran out of 8 gauge.

Is he a former boss because he killed himself being stupid?

 

[LXPlot]

You have enough...We need something special for Washington.

You guys get grunge music, and the Seattle tech theatre scene.

 

[chausman]

You guys get grunge music, and the Seattle tech theatre scene.

So we get some music and gafftaper? Good enough...

Take it to Off-Topic, please.

Sorry.

 

[derekleffew]

Take it to Off-Topic, please.

 

[derekleffew]

...Three prongs around the edge and one spikey contact in the middle. I have no clue how it got its name. ...

Is the "spikey contact in the middle" a conductor?



And WHY is it on the female connector?

 

[Kelite]

Is the "spikey contact in the middle" a conductor?

View attachment 4537

And WHY is it on the female connector?

(Because it wishes it were a male connector?)



(Perhaps it told a lie...)

 

[skienblack]

Is the "spikey contact in the middle" a conductor?

View attachment 4537

And WHY is it on the female connector?

The "spikey" contact in the middle is the ground conductor. Im 99% certaian power will not flow through the connector unless the ground is in contact.

 

[metti]

The "spikey" contact in the middle is the ground conductor. Im 99% certaian power will not flow through the connector unless the ground is in contact.

The spike is definitely the ground. I am not sure if there is some sort of mechanism to disconnect the power if the ground isn't in contact; I had never heard of this but it seems believable.