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An electrical connector once used in the United States that (in theory) was intended for ungrounded 250V applications. However, most tandem plugs used ended up being connected to 125V, as very little 250V (light-duty) equipment was ever made for the American market. Its blades are aligned in tandem (- -) as opposed to standard parallel plugs (| |). In the 1950s, the NEC was modified to officially classify tandem plugs (NEMA 2-15p) for use on 250V connections. The plug (sans a ground pin) was "banned" in the 1960s because it utilized two "hot" wires and no ground or neutral, thus being deemed "unsafe." Sometimes you will find "t-slot" receptacles in older homes; these were intended to accommodate both parallel and tandem plugs.

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11y ago

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