How's this for DIY special?

I think the 'plug top' arose as a need to differentiate it from what was called a 'plug'. The 'plug' being better known these days as a 'socket outlet'.

Mr Fizzion was thinking very hard :

Why would you expect to find technical and trade reference names for items in the OED?

So that clears that one up then. :-)

How many on this ng have used the term plug to mean a socket?

As far as I can see, a plug top is just that. It is the cover that can be removed from a 13 Amp plug that allows you to get to the wire ends, fuse and terminals that secure the wires to the plug base.

Dave

On or around Wed, 26 Oct 2005 20:35:15 +0000 (UTC), Dave mused:

Not me, I can't stand people doing that.

You can't see very far then.

Can you expand on that please.

Dave

If you look at the URL I gave in an earlier post to TLC you'll find that it is still in use for complete plugs. May not be in such common use as it was once, though, but most BOFs like me still use it.

On or around Wed, 26 Oct 2005 22:23:34 +0000 (UTC), Dave mused:

A plug top is the complete unit, lid, base, pins, fuse holder etc....

I don't need to arse around dragging references from here there and everywhere, it's just the way it is. A plug top is the thing on the end of a piece of flex that plugs into a socket.

I didn't spend years wasting my time at Uni somewhere, I was working, with plug tops. I used to go to the wholesalers and buy a box of plug tops, and fit them. (Only 10 years ago btw, I'm not 'old').

Very well, but you will be very confused when speaking to electricians, as it means the entire plug.

Christian.