In a voltage protector, the socket, plug, and outlet play different roles. Their positioning and functional differences directly affect the electrical safety and adaptability of the device to the usage scenario. The following is a detailed analysis based on the technical definition and product design features:
Outlet (power socket/power lead-out terminal)
Positioning:
The outlet is the power input interface of the voltage protector, usually located on the back or side of the device. It is used to connect to the external power grid. For example, a voltage protector that supports a wide voltage input of 110V—230V needs its outlet to adapt to the power grid standards of different countries.
Function:
→ Power supply introduction: Input grid power into the internal circuit of the protector as the starting point of the entire system.
→ Voltage compatibility: It needs to support a wide input voltage range (such as the 220V automatic voltage protector mentioned in N008-220, which supports 170V~265V adjustment) to adapt to grid fluctuations in different regions.
→ Safety features:
Some high-end products integrate overvoltage protection components (such as varistors) at the outlet end to absorb surge energy directly from the source.
Socket (Socket/Device Output Interface)
Positioning:
The socket is the power output interface of the voltage protector, for users to insert the plug of the electrical device. For example, Yixing’s N010 voltage protection socket provides a multi-hole socket design and supports 12A device access.
Function:
→ Power distribution: transmit the current that has been stabilized or surge-processed to the electrical device.
→ Intelligent protection: integrated leakage protection (such as detecting the imbalance of the live wire-neutral wire current and cutting off the power within 0.1 seconds), or through components such as reed switches to achieve active protection against electric shock (power is only turned on when the matching plug is fully inserted).
Design differences:
→ Current specifications: divided into 12A (1440W) and 20A (4400W), which need to match the power of the electrical appliance.
→ Safety door design: prevent foreign objects from being inserted and causing electric shock, especially suitable for children’s activity areas at home.
Plug (plug/grid connector)
Positioning:
The plug is the physical input plug of the voltage protector, which is directly inserted into the grid outlet (such as a wall plug).
Function:
→ Electrical connection: Contact with the grid socket through copper contacts to conduct electrical energy.
→ Standard adaptation: It must comply with regional regulations to ensure that the shape of the plug matches the socket hole.
Special design:
Some plugs have built-in magnets (such as neodymium iron boron magnets), which only trigger the reed switch to close when fully inserted, realizing active control of the socket’s charged state.
The coordinated protection mechanism of the three
● Input path:
Plug is inserted into the grid outlet → The electric energy is processed by the internal circuit of the protector (voltage stabilization, surge absorption) → output to the socket power supply for use.
● Protection linkage:
→ Overvoltage/under voltage protection: Through the voltage detection chip at the outlet end, the relay is controlled to cut off the input or output circuit (such as the default undervoltage 90V and overvoltage 140V action of the N010 automatic voltage protector).
→ Leakage protection: The transformer at the socket end detects the current difference between the live wire and the neutral wire, triggering the release to cut off the power supply.
● Safety isolation:
The anti-electric shock socket is linked by the magnetic control of the plug and the socket to ensure that the socket is not energized when not in use.
The core difference between the three
| Terminology | Positioning | Typical scenarios | Technical features |
| Outlet | Outlet of the power system | Grid access point, protector internal power distribution interface | Focus on the extraction and distribution of current, must meet the voltage level requirements |
| Socket | Socket interface for powering the device | Protector output interface (power supply plugged in) | Must be compatible with plug types (such as three-hole, two-hole), support anti-electric shock design |
| Plug | Physical plug for connecting to external power supply | Protector input plug (plugged into the grid or upstream socket) | Must comply with regional standards (such as American standards, European standards), materials must be resistant to high temperatures |
Good role in voltage protector
Input path: plug (plug) → plug into the grid socket → power input to the internal circuit of the protector.
Protection mechanism: the protector performs overvoltage/undervoltage detection and surge absorption on the input current.
Output path: the processed current passes through the socket (output port) → transmitted to the electrical equipment.
Selection and application suggestions
Home scenario: Prioritize products with outlets that support wide voltage input, sockets with leakage protection, and sockets with safety doors.
Industrial scenario: Both plugs and outlets must meet high current (such as above 16A), high-temperature resistance requirements, and integrated surge protection.
International compatibility: Cross-border use requires matching the plug standards of the target country.
By understanding the functional positioning and coordination mechanism of the three, users can more accurately select the appropriate voltage protection solution to achieve full-link safety protection from grid access to terminal equipment.
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