Parallel flat-blade plug (Hubbell)
Enchufe de clavijas planas paralelas (Hubbell)
- Date
- 1904 · confidence medium
- Place
- Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
- Credited to
- Harvey Hubbell II
- Field
- Matter & energy
What it is
Hubbell patented a separable two-pin plug with flat parallel blades that fitted into a wall socket instead of being screwed into the lamp. It is the origin of today's US power outlets.
He filed in 1904 and it was granted in 1906; several makers brought out similar plugs in those years.
What it led to
- US and Canadian household outlets (NEMA)
- portable appliances and detachable cords
- safe connection in the home