Why do electrical cords sometimes have one prong that is slightly bigger and why do they both have holes through them?

Question

This is the type of plug I’m referring to: [https://www.dhcsupplies.com/store/p/6483-9-x-16/3-Power-Supply-Cord-with-U-Ground-Plug.html](https://www.dhcsupplies.com/store/p/6483-9-x-16/3-Power-Supply-Cord-with-U-Ground-Plug.html)

In: Engineering

Answer 1

The smaller prong is the “hot” one (i.e. the one that has voltage applied to it). The larger prong is the “neutral” one.

The holes are to let the outlet grip the plug a little bit better.