Socket vs. Plug — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 1, 2024
A socket is a receptacle that receives a plug to form an electrical connection, while a plug is designed to fit into a socket to make that connection.
Difference Between Socket and Plug
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A socket is a fixed electrical device, typically mounted on walls or equipment, designed to receive a plug. Whereas a plug is a movable connector that is inserted into a socket to establish an electrical connection.
Sockets are characterized by their female connectors, which are designed to accept the male connectors of a plug. On the other hand, plugs feature male connectors that fit into the female connectors of a socket.
The primary function of a socket is to provide a safe and secure point of connection to the electrical system. Meanwhile, the main role of a plug is to facilitate the connection and disconnection of devices from the power supply.
Sockets often include safety features such as shutters and grounding mechanisms to protect users from electrical shock. Conversely, plugs are designed with features like insulation and grounding prongs to complement the safety mechanisms of sockets.
While sockets are standardized according to the country's electrical standards to ensure compatibility, plugs must match these standards to connect properly and safely. This necessitates different plug designs for compatibility with sockets in various regions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A receptacle for receiving a plug.
A connector designed to fit into a socket.
Connector Type
Female connectors.
Male connectors.
Function
Provides a connection point to the electrical system.
Facilitates device connection to power supply.
Safety Features
May include shutters and grounding.
Designed with insulation and grounding prongs.
Standardization
Follows country-specific electrical standards.
Must match socket standards for compatibility.
Compare with Definitions
Socket
Receptacle for electrical connections.
The lamp cord must be plugged into the wall socket for power.
Plug
Connects devices to power supply.
Insert the plug into the socket to turn on the desk lamp.
Socket
Has female connectors.
The socket's female connectors securely receive the plug's male prongs.
Plug
Movable and connects to cables.
The extension cord has a plug on one end for connecting to a distant socket.
Socket
Fixed and mounted.
The kitchen sockets are mounted above the countertop for easy appliance access.
Plug
Designed with safety in mind.
This plug includes insulated prongs for added safety during use.
Socket
Often includes safety features.
The new sockets in the house have safety shutters to protect children.
Plug
Features male connectors.
The plug's male prongs are designed to fit snugly into the socket.
Socket
Standardized regionally.
European sockets are designed for the round-pin plugs common in the area.
Plug
Must match socket standards.
Travel adapters are used when a plug doesn't match the local socket standard.
Socket
An opening or a cavity into which an inserted part is designed to fit
A light-bulb socket.
Plug
An object, such as a cork or a wad of cloth, used to fill a hole tightly; a stopper.
Socket
The concave part of a joint that receives the end of a bone.
Plug
A dense mass of material that obstructs a passage.
Socket
A hollow or concavity into which a part, such as the eye, fits.
Plug
A usually cylindrical or conic piece cut from something larger, often as a sample.
Socket
To furnish with or insert into a socket.
Plug
A fitting, commonly with two metal prongs for insertion in a fixed socket, used to connect an appliance to a power supply.
Socket
(mechanics) An opening into which a plug or other connecting part is designed to fit (e.g. a light bulb socket).
Plug
A spark plug.
Socket
(anatomy) A hollow into a bone which a part fits, such as an eye, or another bone, in the case of a joint.
Plug
A hydrant.
Socket
(computing) One endpoint of a two-way communication link, used for interprocess communication across a network.
Plug
A flat cake of pressed or twisted tobacco.
Socket
(computing) One endpoint of a two-way named pipe on Unix and Unix-like systems, used for interprocess communication.
Plug
A piece of chewing tobacco.
Socket
A hollow tool for grasping and lifting tools dropped in a well-boring.
Plug
(Geology) A mass of igneous rock filling the vent of a volcano.
Socket
The hollow of a candlestick.
Plug
(Informal) A favorable public mention of a commercial product, business, or performance, especially when broadcast.
Socket
A steel apparatus attached to a saddle to protect the thighs and legs.
Plug
(Slang) Something inferior, useless, or defective, especially an old, worn-out horse.
Socket
To place or fit in a socket.
Plug
A fishing lure having a hook or hooks.
Socket
An opening into which anything is fitted; any hollow thing or place which receives and holds something else; as, the sockets of the teeth.
His eyeballs in their hollow sockets sink.
Plug
To fill (a hole) tightly with or as if with a plug; stop up.
Socket
Especially, the hollow tube or place in which a candle is fixed in the candlestick.
Plug
To insert (something) as a plug
Plugged a cork in the bottle.
Socket
The receptacle of an electric lamp into which a light bulb is inserted, containing contacts to conduct electricity to the bulb.
Plug
To insert in an appropriate place or position
Plug a quarter into the parking meter.
Plugged the variables into the equation.
Socket
The receptacle fixed in a wall and connected by conductive wiring to an electrical supply, containing contacts to conduct electricity, and into which the plug of an electrical device is inserted; - called also a wall socket or outlet. The socket will typically have two or three contacts; if three, the third is connected to a ground for safety.
And in the sockets oily bubbles dance.
Plug
To hit with a bullet; shoot.
Socket
A bony hollow into which a structure fits
Plug
To hit with the fist; punch.
Socket
Receptacle where something (a pipe or probe or end of a bone) is inserted
Plug
(Informal) To publicize (a product, for example) favorably, as by mentioning on a broadcast
Authors who plug their latest books on TV talk shows.
Socket
A receptacle into which an electric device can be inserted
Plug
To become stopped up or obstructed
A gutter that plugged up with leaves.
Plug
(Informal) To move or work doggedly and persistently
“You may plug along fifty years before you get anywhere” (Saul Bellow).
Plug
(electricity) A pronged connecting device which fits into a mating socket, especially an electrical one.
I pushed the plug back into the electrical socket and the lamp began to glow again.
Plug
(loosely) An electric socket: wall plug.
Plug
Any piece of wood, metal, or other substance used to stop or fill a hole.
Pull the plug out of the tub so it can drain.
Plug
(US) A flat oblong cake of pressed tobacco.
He preferred a plug of tobacco to loose chaw.
Plug
A high, tapering silk hat.
Plug
A worthless horse.
That sorry old plug is ready for the glue factory!
Plug
(dated) Any worn-out or useless article.
Plug
A book that fails to sell.
Plug
(construction) A block of wood let into a wall to afford a hold for nails.
Plug
(slang) A promotion (act of promoting) a product (such as a book, film or play) or other thing (concept, etc), for example during an interview or a commercial.
During the interview, the author put in a plug for his latest novel.
She used her tour of the zoo to work in another plug for conservation.
Plug
(geology) A body of once molten rock that hardened in a volcanic vent. Usually round or oval in shape.
Pressure built beneath the plug in the caldera, eventually resulting in a catastrophic explosion of pyroclastic shrapnel and ash.
Plug
(fishing) A type of lure consisting of a rigid, buoyant or semi-buoyant body and one or more hooks.
The fisherman cast the plug into a likely pool, hoping to catch a whopper.
Plug
(horticulture) A small seedling grown in a tray from expanded polystyrene or polythene filled usually with a peat or compost substrate.
Plug
(jewellery) A short cylindrical piece of jewellery commonly worn in larger-gauge body piercings, especially in the ear.
Plug
(slang) A drug dealer.
Plug
A branch from a water-pipe to supply a hose.
Plug
(aviation) A standard, modular fuselage component that can be added or removed.
Plug
(transitive) To stop with a plug; to make tight by stopping a hole.
He attempted to plug the leaks with some caulk.
Plug
(transitive) To blatantly mention a particular product or service as if advertising it.
The main guest on the show just kept plugging his latest movie: it got so tiresome.
Plug
To persist or continue with something.
Keep plugging at the problem until you find a solution.
Plug
To ingest a drug rectally
Plug
Any piece of wood, metal, or other substance used to stop or fill a hole; a stopple.
Plug
A flat oblong cake of pressed tobacco.
Plug
A high, tapering silk hat.
Plug
A worthless horse.
Plug
A block of wood let into a wall, to afford a hold for nails.
Plug
To stop with a plug; to make tight by stopping a hole.
Plug
Blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
Plug
A wad of something chewable as tobacco
Plug
Blatant or sensational promotion
Plug
Electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine and ignites the gas by means of an electric spark
Plug
An electrical device with two or three pins that is inserted in a socket to make an electrical connection
Plug
An upright hydrant for drawing water to use in fighting a fire
Plug
An old or over-worked horse
Plug
Fill or close tightly with or as if with a plug;
Plug the hole
Stop up the leak
Plug
Persist in working hard;
Students must plug away at this problem
Plug
Deliver a quick blow to;
He punched me in the stomach
Plug
Make a plug for; praise the qualities or in order to sell or promote
Common Curiosities
Can any plug fit into any socket?
No, plugs and sockets are standardized by region, so a plug must match the socket standard to fit properly.
Can I use any plug with any appliance?
The plug used must match the appliance's power requirements and be compatible with the available sockets.
What is the purpose of a socket?
A socket serves as a fixed receptacle to provide a safe connection point to the electrical system.
How can I tell if a plug is grounded?
A grounded plug includes a third prong for grounding and is often larger than non-grounded plugs.
Are sockets only used for electrical power?
While commonly used for power, sockets can also be designed for data, audio, or video connections.
Why do sockets have safety features?
Sockets have safety features like shutters and grounding to protect users from electrical shocks.
Are plugs and sockets interchangeable?
Plugs and sockets are not interchangeable; plugs are designed to fit into sockets, not the other way around.
What happens if a plug doesn't fit a socket?
If a plug doesn't fit a socket, it indicates a mismatch in standards, and an adapter may be required for compatibility.
Why are there different types of plugs and sockets?
Different types of plugs and sockets exist due to varying electrical standards and safety regulations across regions.
How do I know which socket standard my country uses?
Socket standards can be found in building codes or government regulations related to electrical safety in your country.
How does a plug work?
A plug works by inserting its male connectors into a socket's female connectors to establish an electrical connection.
Can using the wrong plug damage my device?
Using the wrong plug can potentially damage the device or the electrical system if it causes a poor connection.
What should I do if my plug is loose in the socket?
A loose plug can be a safety hazard; it's best to check if the plug or socket is damaged or consider using a different socket.
Is it safe to use adapters for plugs and sockets?
Using adapters is generally safe if they match the electrical standards and are used as intended.
Why are some plugs polarized?
Polarization ensures that the plug is inserted into the socket in the correct orientation for safety and device functionality.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
