If electrical plugs are identical, why do they fit in the outlet only when flipped a certain way?

Question

If electrical plugs are identical, why do they fit in the outlet only when flipped a certain way?

In: 0

Answer 1

Because they are built that way. Us 2 pin plugs can be non-polarized or polarized. Polarized plugs have the neutral pin wider than the hot pin which matches the polarized outlets in the wall. Non polarized plugs have two pins the same size which fit either way into the socket.