Why can some (US) outlets fit a plug from either way you put it in, but some plugs have a fatter and skinnier prong?
In: 8026
In a US home the electricity travel on three conductors (wires). Line 1, Line 2 and the Identified Conductor.
Connecting between line 1 and line 2 will produce 240 volts while connecting between either line 1 or 2 and the identified conductor produces 120 volts.
Wall plugs you speak of are 120V and the difference between the conductors is that the Identified conductor is grounded at the panel and the other is not.
Some devices are built in a way that requires polarity.
Polarity (same) wiring requires a specific wire be connected to the Identified Conductor. So to solve this, manufacturers make plugs that only fit one way.
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