Very Early type of Socket

[Peter J]

I have seen a very early type of surface mounted wall socket, and it is now not in use. It has 4 flat pins, all horizontal, and they are set up as a cross with one at the top etc. A photo has been added.
It may have been imported into New Zealand in the 1900's but I could not disern the maker. It could have been connected to a 110v DC supply.
Peter J.

 

[Knobhead]

Old bugger, I wonder how i know about them.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

It might be worth searching for obsolete Japanese and Chinese socket types. The Japanese 250V, 15A rated split-phase plug and socket arrangement is similar to your socket except the equipment earth terminal is rotated 90° as a 'polarizing key'. The Chinese 380V 15A rated split-phase (may also be used 3 phase+N?) plug and socket is also similar to your socket except again the equipment earth terminal is rotated 90° as a 'polarizing key.' Note:- The Japanese connectors have different terminal widths and spacing to the Chinese versions and therefore cannot be mixed. E54 hopefully will be able to add more to this.
View attachment 12178View attachment 12179View attachment 12180

 

[telectrix]

Old bugger, I wonder how i know about them.

because tou are an old fart, like me.

 

[Knobhead]

One beauty of the Wylex plugs is they were fused.

It was only the fact the outlets weren’t shrouded that lead to their downfall. I think they did attempt to correct this but it was to late by then.

 

[Engineer54]

It might be worth searching for obsolete Japanese and Chinese socket types. The Japanese 250V, 15A rated split-phase plug and socket arrangement is similar to your socket except the equipment earth terminal is rotated 90° as a 'polarizing key'. The Chinese 380V 15A rated split-phase (may also be used 3 phase+N?) plug and socket is also similar to your socket except again the equipment earth terminal is rotated 90° as a 'polarizing key.' Note:- The Japanese connectors have different terminal widths and spacing to the Chinese versions and therefore cannot be mixed. E54 hopefully will be able to add more to this.
View attachment 12178View attachment 12179View attachment 12180

I can't say i've seen any of these configurations in China. They tend to use a mixture of USA/ Aussie outlets these day's and a good amount of the old 15A round pins for heavier loads. Seen them used for 20/30A loads many times, ...and in a good few countries too!! When you think about it, there is probably more brass in them old 15A plug tops than there is in the modern 30A plug tops ...lol!!!

 

[Peter J]

Hi,
The socket cover appears (98%) to be ceramic with a centre screw holding it to the ceramic base. The Crabtree switch may be original but could have been a later replacement.
Peter J.
PS Chinese socket getting close but I would have to research the obsolete Chinese ones. I did find the modern Chinese plugs but not the above.

 

[Peter J]

It appears to control the socket as they are mounted on the floor skirting board.
Peter J.

 

[Peter J]

Thanks for comment, it is probably for use with 2 different plug tops that were being used at that time (1900-1920).
Peter J.