AC Polarity Explained - Electricity 101

Why do some outlets have a larger slot? Some plugs have one bigger prong, but why don't they all of them? Do you think you know? I received hundreds of requests to make this video & I hope you enjoy seeing the mystery solved & the question ANSWERED! Why do Polarized Plugs Exist?

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.

[Krankie_V]

That is until you find out that some jackass has actually wired some of the receptacles in your home backwards 🤷‍♂️

[Moosbuckels_sexy_brother]

This is the reason why every switch here in germany switches BOTH hot and neutral.

[ardesheerford]

Legends say, the reason one of the holes are smaller is because the outlet is winking at you for its entire lifespan

[Jknudsen]

I’ll watch any electric videos you have like this. Electricity is something I’ve never learned and it freaks me out. Would love a layman electrician series.

[marcberm]

Normally, lamps with standard A19 type screw-in bulbs energize the contact at the bottom of the lampholder, rather than the threaded part which is neutral. Having a standard incandescent lamp reversed would still work, but it would also leave you exposed to potential shock from touching the threaded part of the holder that sticks out, even when switched off.

[jawz]

“I have this very illegal adapter” killed me 😂, clicking this video I no longer have plausible deniability when the electronic police call 😆

[raterus]

I've wondered this my whole life, have even tried researching this in the past. Your video is the first one that actually makes sense for me!

[LokiScarletWasHere]

In the case of the adapters, consider also that they typically use a transformer to bring the input voltage closer to the desired output before employing a rectifier and voltage regulators. Using a transformer, the voltage difference across it is balanced whether the input is balanced or unbalanced. A transformer that divides 120v AC by 10 outputs 6v 0deg and 6v 180deg for a total of 12v AC
Hence, no need to polarize.
It would only need to be polarized if it were untransformed and used a halfass rectifier.

[flooorwalker]

These videos are fantastic! I really appreciate that your channel is strictly about information, and the videos are done as soon as the point has been demonstrated. Thank you for all that you do 🙂.

[TexasBuyer]

Your videos are already normally very good, but this one is simply understanding and one of your best!

[doohickey-enjoyer]

Me an Australian who has different outlets and still watches this:

[FrannyWard]

In 1940, when my childhood home was built, the switched out the neutrals. I found that out at 15 years old, when I went to replace the porcelain light in the basement and received quit a jolt from the "Hot" wire. Intrigued so much so, that when I graduated High school in 1980, I started working as an Electrician's helper. Forty One years later? I'm still at it. Yes and I've been shocked many times since lol.

[StringerNews]

Actually alternating current flows both ways, alternating between flowing one way and the other. No, it's not the lower voltage that wall warts provide, it's the fact that converting one AC voltage to another requires a transformer of some sort (even switching power supplies use them), and that provides galvanic isolation. Simply put, what comes out the other end of a transformer is a separate circuit, and connecting it to ground does nothing. That could hold true for the secondary of the transformer on the pole too. It's been a very long time since ground return was used, and never for power distribution. If it was never connected to an earth ground, it would be impossible to electrocute yourself by using power tools in a damp basement or touching a water faucet. And now that inexpensive plastics are ubiquitous, it's cheap and easy to make all appliances double-insulated.

One of the big reasons why our house wiring is so arcane is because shaving pennies off the price of everything has been paramount. Split phase wiring was developed to save builders money; if we didn't have it, the idea of a "neutral" and "hot" wouldn't exist. Without getting too deep into the idiosyncrasies of split-phase, we'd be better off without it. With most of the world using ~240VAC for home wiring, we could easily transition to single-voltage AC homes, and bring something neat to replace Harvey Hubbell's second invention. Not having a grounded center tap eliminates much of the hazard in one fell swoop. And because everything has a microcontroller in it, it's about time we leverage them in home power to open up a whole realm of new possibilities.

[Tactix_se]

This was incredibly well explained and straight to the point. Kudos!

[klaus-udokloppstedt]

this _very illigal_ adapter is build-in in every european plug, as they don't have polarized plugs at all.

[TheWanderer]

This is the best explanation I've ever heard about polarized plugs. Thank you.

[ocsrc]

This was a new safety measure you saw in the 70s

The homes that were built in the late 70s, 1977 and after, were really modern

They had lots of new features like polarized outlets and grounded outlets and ground fault circuit interrupter breakers for the kitchens the bathrooms the laundry areas all outside outlets and even for the basement

This was a huge step forward in safety

If you go to a house that was built in the 50s or 60s many times what you see is two prong outlets with no ground and fuses

[MW-xmrc]

One slot is bigger to frustrate the living hell out of you every time you try to plug it in.

[fongy]

I always use a Dim bulb indicator when undertaking repairs to electronic appliances. I convert vintage Tube / Valve Radios into Guitar amps so i use as many safety devices that i deem necesary to get the job done safely. I always work from Schematics and fortunately their readily available online. For most conversions i use the Fender Champ diagram. it's pretty simple build but the safety apparatus is 100% a must, it's essential or you could end up looking like Doc from Back to the Future or worse. Great info, great channel.

[DoubleTFishing]

Nicely done, I’m a 40 yr electrician. Explained well for the general public👍🏼