Question

Why is the earth pin thicker and longer than neutral and live pins? Suggest 2 reasons.

Answer 1

A pin connected to an earth wire is always thicker and longer than the pins connected to neutral and live wires in a plug. This is because :-

1. The length of the earth pin makes sure that the electronic appliance attached to it experiences the first earthing.
2. The thickness of the earth pin makes sure that the earthing does not enter the live hole of the socket. Thus, in case a neutral and live wire is in contact with the metallic cover of an appliance due to an event of short circuit, the heavy current will flow through that earth pin to avoid any sort of accident.