Comparing Round vs. Flat Earth Pins
A key visual difference in some Australian mains plugs is the shape of the earth pin. This is a critical safety and compatibility feature designed to prevent equipment from being connected to an incorrect power circuit.
Why the Difference?
The standard flat earth pin is used on 10A plugs for all general-purpose outlets. The less common round earth pin is used for plugs intended for connection to a special-purpose circuit. These circuits are often used for applications like controlled lighting, exhaust fans, or specific IT equipment where you want to prevent standard appliances from being plugged in.
By using a different pin shape, the system ensures that only the correct equipment can draw power from that dedicated source, enhancing safety and control over the electrical installation.
Your Project, Perfected. That's The Access Advantage.
- Expert Local Support, Since 1973: Don't waste time with guesswork. Our experts have seen it all and are ready to provide the right solution, right now. Your success is our business.
- Uncompromising Aussie Quality: We live and breathe quality. From rigorous testing to official Australian certification, we guarantee every product we sell is built to perform and built to last.
- Your Specs, Your Brand, Our Build: Off-the-shelf not cutting it? We specialise in building custom cables and assemblies to your exact specifications, branded for your business. Let's create it together.
- Guaranteed for Life: Buy it once. Trust it forever. Our products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, so you can invest in quality with zero risk. *Warranty excludes third-party brands such as HALO and UPS.
- Innovation That Keeps You Ahead: The tech landscape is always changing, and so is our catalogue. We ensure you always have access to the latest, most reliable solutions on the market.
Let's get your project started.
Talk to an expert today for a custom quote or browse the solutions most relevant to your search.