Who invented power outlets

Harvey Hubbell, who in founded what today is known as Hubbell Incorporated, came up with an ingenious solution. Already known for his invention of the pull-chain electrical light socket, Hubbell devised a two-part device that would allow portable appliances to quickly pull away from light sockets.

The base of the device screwed into the light socket, and a two-pronged plug cap that was connected to the appliance cord would allow the two to be easily separated. An additional advantage of the Hubbell device — versions of which you can still find in hardware stores to this day, and even from the Hubbell website itself — was that the homeowner could leave the screw base installed in the fixture, only needing to plug in the cord when the appliance was needed.

How convenient. It was patented in by Harvey Hubbell II, the same electrical engineer who had invented the type A plug. Press enter to begin your search. Close Search. Last updated: 15 March Click here for the full list of all countries that use type I This 10 amp plug has two flat 1. Check out all other plug types used around the world.

Type B. Type C. An inventor and industrialist, Hubbell opened his first manufacturing facility, the Harvey Hubbell Manufacturing Company, in Bridgeport in The Hubbell flush attachment plug based on the separable attachment plug patent, November 8, At the time post terminals would extend out from a wall and any type of electrical device had to be hardwired to the power source.

This was extremely inconvenient—and dangerous. If, for example, the device or appliance had to be moved and the wires were not connected to the correct polarity, a potentially damaging short circuit occurred. Hubbell went on to receive another 45 patents, most for electric products, and the company he started, Hubbell Incorporated, is still in business today in Shelton. Press enter to begin your search. Close Search. Last updated: 7 August A toaster with a lightbulb socket.

Type N, the future universal standard? Check out all plug types used around the world. Type B. Type C. Type D. Type E. Type F.