(pardon if this question is a little elementary for this site…)
I have done a variety of Google searches trying to get to the 'right' answer(s) here, part of the problem is I'm not even sure of the terminology involved.
I have several strands of Christmas lights. Some sets came with what are actually two strands of different types (C7 bulbs and Icicles) wire tied together.
Both strands have two-prong male and female connectors at each end. The female connectors are designed in such a way that a male three prong connector will not fit into the plug, the physical design blocks the grounding prong.
One strand has "like sized" prongs/slots (I'll call this Type A) and the other size has unlike sized prongs/slots (Type B). I have attempted to lay out my lights so that I have a couple of 'those strands' together, then connected to a couple of single strands, then I want to add in a couple more of the doubled strands…but alas I only have a single 'Type A' female end, and can not presently find (at Home Despot or Blowe's) an adapter that suits the situation.
Should I be able to find such an adapter?
( I would also like to know…)
1. If there is a 'better way' I should like to hear it.
2. If not will creating one (grinding the oversize prong to fit) pose a safety risk?
3. What are the 'correct names' for the various adapters described?
Best Answer
Type A
Type B
The Neutral plug is polarized so that the the risk to access is reduced with Neutral being 0 to 5% of line V such as the Edison socket=N and center = Line= "hot" which corresponds the the narrower spade pin.
To prevent polarized lamp plugs from being connected to non-polarized string light extension sockets, they use the narrow blade socket to block these.
Best bet may be a long indoor extension cord compatible with all U.S. 2 pin plugs to reach extra loads. Note the non-polarized plugs without a hole in the spade pin are horrible for mating contact force ( perhaps due to lack of CN quality design choices or awareness) and often do not wipe the contacts clean or even make contact!!. So I tend bend apart slightly to create contact tension and plug retention forces without the spring contact friction of the hole. (usually found on low quality Asian products)
p.s. *You almost guessed the correct UL/CSA Types A & B but not quite. I'm not sure of the type letter for non-polarized 2 pronged plugs. ... old joke when they introduced the change in plugs ... "two plinked plongs"