Editing AC power plugs and sockets (section)

=== Special purpose plugs and sockets ===
[[File:20061007_3P_N_PE_CEE_connections.jpg|thumb|400&nbsp;V CEE sockets with cables plugged in.]]

Special purpose sockets may be found in residential, industrial, commercial or institutional buildings. Examples of systems using special purpose sockets include:
* "Clean" (low electrical noise) earth for use with computer systems,
* [[Device for Connection of Luminaires]] (DCL) is a European standard for ceiling- and hanging light fixtures.
* [[Emergency power system|Emergency power supply]],
* [[Uninterruptible power supply]] for critical or life-support equipment,
* Isolated power for medical instruments, tools used in wet conditions, or electric razors,
* [[Split-phase electric power#Balanced power|"Balanced" or "technical"]] power used in audio and video production studios,
* [[Stage lighting|Theatrical lighting]],
* [[IEC 60309|CEE 17]] are a series of industrial grade (IP44) three-phase "pin & sleeve" connectors for industrial purposes, carpentry- and gardening appliances and also used as a weather-resistant connector for outdoor usage, like [[Caravan (trailer)|Caravans]], [[Motorhome]]s, [[campervan]]s and [[tent]]s for mains hook-up at [[Campsite|camp-site]]s.<ref>[https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/technicalhelp/datasheets/electricity-campers-caravanners/ Using electricity on a campsite] [[Camping and Caravanning Club]]</ref><ref>[https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/travelabroad/camping-in-europe/european-campsites/electricity/ Electricity on European Campsites] [[Camping and Caravanning Club]] (UK, so "European" means mainland Europe)</ref>
* Sockets for electric clothes dryers, electric ovens, and air conditioners with higher current rating.

Special-purpose sockets may be labelled or coloured to identify a reserved use of a system, or may have keys or specially shaped pins to prevent use of unintended equipment.

==== Single-phase electric stove plugs and sockets ====
[[File:Power connector Legrand 32A.jpg|thumb|Plug (sheet V) and socket (sheet VI) to French standard NF&nbsp;C&nbsp;61-315 (400&nbsp;V, 32&nbsp;A)]]

The plugs and sockets used to power [[electric stove]]s from a single-phase line have to be rated for greater current values than those used with three-phase supply because all the power has to be transferred through two contacts, not three. If not hardwired to the supply, electric stoves may be connected to the mains with an appropriate high power connector. Some countries do not have wiring regulations for single-phase electric stoves. In Russia, an electric stove can often be seen connected with a 25 or 32&nbsp;A connector.

In Norway, a 25[[AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types#BS 4573 (UK shaver)|&nbsp;]]A grounded connector, rectangular shaped with rounded corners, is used for single-phase stoves.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} The connector has three rectangular pins in a row, with the grounding pin longer than other two. The corresponding socket is recessed to prevent shocks. The Norwegian standard is NEK&nbsp;502:2005 – standard sheet X (socket) and sheet XI (plug). They are also known as the two pole and earth variants of CEE&nbsp;7/10 (socket) and CEE&nbsp;7/11 (plug).

{{Multiple image |align=center |direction=horizontal |footer=Russian stove connectors rated 250&nbsp;V 25&nbsp;A AC. Left: plug and socket. Center: Socket. Right: Plug. |image1=Russian stove plug and socket.jpg |width1=150 |image2=Russian stove outlet.jpg |width2=175 |image3=Russian stove plug.jpg |width3=200}}
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==== Shaver supply units ====
[[File:ShaverSocketUK.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Shaver supply unit for BS&nbsp;4573, US&nbsp;Type&nbsp;A, Australian two-pin, and Europlug Type&nbsp;C]]

National wiring regulations sometimes prohibit the use of sockets adjacent to water taps, etc. A special socket, with an [[isolation transformer]], may allow electric razors to be used near a sink. Because the isolation transformer is of low rating, such outlets are not suitable to operate higher-powered appliances such as [[hair dryer]]s.

An IEC standard 61558-2-5, adopted by [[European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization|CENELEC]] and as a national standard in some countries, describes one type of shaver supply unit. Shaver sockets may accept multiple two-pin plug types including Australian (Type&nbsp;I) and [[AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types#BS 4573 (UK_shaver)|BS&nbsp;4573]]. The isolation transformer often includes a 115&nbsp;V output accepting two-pin US plugs (Type&nbsp;A). Shaver supply units must also be current limited, IEC 61558-2-5 specifies a minimum rating of 20&nbsp;[[Volt-ampere|VA]] and maximum of 50&nbsp;VA.<ref>IEC&nbsp;61558-2-5</ref> Sockets are marked with a shaver symbol, and may also say "shavers only".

Isolation transformers and dedicated NEMA&nbsp;1-15 shaver receptacles were once standard installation practice in North America, but now a [[Residual-current device|GFCI]] receptacle is used instead. This provides the full capacity of a standard receptacle but protects the user of a razor or other appliance from leakage current.

Differences between BS4573 Type&nbsp;C and Europlug Type&nbsp;C. The BS4573 plug has round 5mm contacts, spacing 16mm. The Euro-plug has 4mm contacts, spacing 19mm. In order to plug a Europlug into a BS4573 socket, an adaptor is required.