Sparky question about power outlets

[Dabop]

Well, you live and learn. I had understood Australia used the same voltage system as the UK, 240V 50Hz making three phase like here in the UK 415V and using Red plugs and sockets to designate the higher phase to phase voltage.

We do, used to be called 240v, but it is now '230v nominal'- but still the same voltage coming out of the powerpoint lol

We don't use colour coded plugs/sockets, just the 10a, 15a and 20a single phase ones (unlike the UK versions, they can plug a smaller rated plug into a higher rated socket)- so a 10a plug goes into a 10,15 or 20a outlet, the 15a plug only fits the 15 or 20a outlet, and the 20a only fits the 20a outlet ... Very handy lol

The same goes with the three phase plugs, the 20a fits the 20a and the 32a outlets, while the 32a only fits the 32a outlets...

 

[MikeJhn]

The five pin plug is common in the EU for three phase installations: https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits...inverseur-de-phases-walther-neo-82823210.html

 

[bansobaby]

Just for giggles, I found the following plug, something I’ve never seen before, a five pin 240V…….could it be that others have trod the path I was looking to go down? It’s a reputable brand! Does anyone know what is actually for? Never come across this type of plug before.

View attachment 193722

There are a lot of standard industrial plugs and sockets that are not commonly used. For example there is one for three phase 240v that is not interchangeable with three phase 415v for obvious reasons.

 

[deema]

The five pin plug is common in the EU for three phase installations: https://www.leroymerlin.fr/produits...inverseur-de-phases-walther-neo-82823210.html

Thanks Mike, five pin plugs are common in the UK too, however, there is a convention that 240V plugs are blue, 110V are yellow and 3 phase 240 which phase to phase is 415V are RED, so a blue five pin 240V plug is to me unusal. 110V 3 phase is 190V phase to phase.

 

[MikeJhn]

Could not find the 240V blue plugs on the Leroy Merlin site, but used them extensively in kitchens for induction hobs witch are usually supplied as two phase.