On 1 Feb 2006 12:19:56 -0800, "Mike Rivers"
wrote:


apa wrote:
In one of the rooms I run there are a number of extension cords that
stay coiled by the outlets. Every couple months somebody "borrows"
one. Does anyone make a clasp of sorts that would fix the plug to the
outlet and help to deter people from helping themselves?

This came up here a few months ago. Walt described it correctly, but
nobody (including me, and I know I've seen one) could locate a source.
It would be easy to make.

They're more to prevent accidental unplugging (like if someone trips
over the cable) than to prevent borrowing. I think Scott has the right
idea there, but of course putting 240V receptacles on your 120V outlets
is both inconvenient and may be against electrical code rules. Better
to just buy a few spares, and leave the worst ones out.
He was suggesting a 20A plug (looks like a T) and only
works in NEMA 5-20 outlets (which also accept 5-15 PLUGS).
These usually only appear in Commercal locations.
My reading of the NEC suggests that *IF* there is only one outlet on a
20A branch, *IT* must be rated for the full 20A (a 15A outlet is only
rated 20A on the pass through)