🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <dlphknob.721926598@cs1.bradley.edu>, dlphknob@cs1.bradley.edu (Jemaleddin Cole) writes:
>In <1e66sbINN953@gap.caltech.edu> carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU (Carl J Lydick) writes:
>
>>The two-prong plug is used for a circuit that's taken from one side of a
>>center-tapped transformer.  The center tap is grounded.  That means that one
>>side of the circuit is nominally at ground potential, while the other is "hot."
>>The purpose of the polarized plugs is to allow the manufacturers of appliances 
>>to know which wire is hot and which is neutral.  Armed with this information,
>>the manufacturers can design the appliances so that, in the event the case
>>somehow gets shorted to one of the wires, it's more likely the neutral wire to
>>which it gets shorted.
>
>I don't think you have answered his question yet.  Which is the ground?
>The larger or smaller plug?

The question was "why are the two prongs not the same size."  My response
answered that question.  If you want to figure out which is which, find a
properly installed polarized socket and check to see which side is neutral.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL

Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.