Editing AC power plugs and sockets (section)

=== Italian BTicino brand Magic Security connector ===
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File:Bticino Magic 1.jpg|Magic Security socket, detail.
File:Bticino Magic 2.jpg|Assortment of Magic Security sockets (in orange, the industrial three-phase type)
File:Bticino Magic 3.jpg|Assortment of Magic Security plugs
File:Spina magic 02.jpg|Magic Security plug (10&nbsp;A) (left) with a type L to Magic Security plug adaptor
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In the 1960s, the Italian firm [[Bticino|BTicino]] introduced an alternative to the Europlug or CEI&nbsp;23-16 connectors then in use, called Magic Security.{{sfn|De Cesco|1975|p=73}} The socket is rectangular, with lateral key pins and indentations to maintain polarisation, and to prevent insertion of a plug with different current ratings. Three single-phase general purpose connectors were rated 10&nbsp;A, 16&nbsp;A and 20&nbsp;A; and a three-phase industrial connector rated 10&nbsp;A; all of them have different key-pin positioning so plugs and sockets cannot be mismatched.{{sfn|De Cesco|1975|p=75}} The socket is closed by a safety lid (bearing the word ''Magic'' on it) which can be opened only with an even pressure on its surface, thus preventing the insertion of objects (except the plug itself) inside the socket. The contacts are positioned on both sides of the plug; the plug is energised only when it is inserted fully into the socket.

The system is not compatible with Italian CEI plugs, nor with Europlugs. Appliances were never sold fitted with these security plugs, and the use of adaptors would defeat the safety features, so the supplied plugs had to be cut off and replaced with the security connector. Even so, the ''Magic'' security system had some success at first because its enhanced safety features appealed to customers; standard connectors of the day were not considered safe enough.{{sfn|De Cesco|1975|p=73}} The decline of the system occurred when safety lids similar to the Magic type were developed<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vimar.eu/index.php?l=it&module=articles&class=articles&event=__default&menu_item_id=134&content=20 |title=La ricerca della sicurezza. Il brevetto Sicury |website=www.vimar.eu. |access-date=12 February 2009}}</ref> for standard sockets.

In Italy, the system was never definitively abandoned. Though very rarely seen today, it is still marked as available in BTicino's catalogue,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bticino.assetbank-server.com/bticino/assetfile/50782.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224161322/https://bticino.assetbank-server.com/bticino/assetfile/50782.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 February 2021 |website=bticino.assetbank-server.com |title=Il Classico Dell'Installazione Civile |access-date=20 May 2017}}</ref> (except for the three-phase version, which stopped being produced in July 2011).

In Chile, 10&nbsp;A Magic connectors are commonly used for computer/laboratory power networks, as well as for communications or data equipment. This allows delicate electronics equipment to be connected to an independent circuit breaker, usually including a [[surge protector]] or an [[uninterruptible power supply]] backup. The different style of plug makes it more difficult for office workers to connect computer equipment to a standard unprotected power line, or to overload the UPS by connecting other office appliances.

In Iceland, Magic plugs were widely used in homes and businesses alongside Europlug and Schuko installations. Their installation in new homes was still quite common even in the late 1980s.