power connections

Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains electricity (household, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes.

A power plug (mains plug) is a connector that fits into a power point or electrical socket. It has male features, usually brass and often tin or nickel plated, which interface mechanically and electrically to the mains. Such plugs have a live contact, a neutral contact, and an optional earth (also known as ground or safety ground). In many types of plugs there is no distinction between live and neutral and in a few cases both main pins may be live.

A power socket (electrical socket, power point, mains socket, plug-in, outlet, receptacle, or female power connector) is a connection point that delivers mains electricity when a plug is inserted into it. PO. It is the opposite of a plug, and usually has only female features.

Most common household power is "single phase". In some countries two live conductors (split phase or two phases from a three phase supply) or even three phases are wired into a home. However in most places only one phase conductor along with the neutral is connected to each household socket. Sockets for three-wire 120/240 volt appliances, with two live connections, a neutral, and ground, are also common in North America.