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Rating of Three pin socket
5 A, 250 V
15 A, 250 V
15 тАУ 200 A, 400 V
All of the above
15 A, 250 V
In Indian standard electrical wiring (IS 1293), a three-pin socket is typically rated for either 6A or 16A at 250V AC. While 5A is often used interchangeably with 6A for light and fan circuits, the 16A socket (commonly referred to as 15A) is designated for heavy-duty appliances like air conditioners, geysers, and refrigerators.
In Indian standard electrical wiring (IS 1293), a three-pin socket is typically rated for either 6A or 16A at 250V AC. While 5A is often used interchangeably with 6A for light and fan circuits, the 16A socket (commonly referred to as 15A) is designated for heavy-duty appliances like air conditioners, geysers, and refrigerators.
P=V├ЧI├Чcos╧Х тАФ standard power formula for resistive-inductive loads
I=VтЛЕ╬╖тЛЕcos╧ХPтАЛ тАФ current calculation for selecting socket rating
The three-pin socket provides a safety mechanism by incorporating a ground (earth) pin, which is larger than the live and neutral pins to ensure a first-make-last-break sequence for safety. The current rating of the socket is determined by the cross-sectional area of the contact pins and the internal busbar, which must be capable of carrying the rated current without exceeding a safe temperature rise.
Light and fan circuits are standardly wired for 6A.
Power circuits are standardly wired for 16A (commonly 15A rating).
The earth pin is made longer and thicker to ensure protective grounding before current flows.
250V is the standard rated voltage for single-phase household supply in India.
Grounding prevents electrical shock.
Polarization ensures the live pin is connected correctly.
Heavy-duty appliances cannot be used in low-current 6A sockets.
Mechanical wear of contacts can lead to arcing over time.
Domestic wiring for lighting and fans.
Heavy duty industrial and household equipment (ACs, Refrigerators).
The 5A rating is often used for general light/fan circuits.
Option C is technically incorrect for standard domestic socket ratings, as 200A is far beyond the scope of a standard three-pin socket.
Option D is incorrect because 15-200A is not a standard domestic socket rating.
B is correct тАФ The standard rating for a power three-pin socket used for high-load domestic appliances in India is 15A/16A at 250V.
Always remember that for high-wattage appliances, the cross-sectional area of the wire used must be compatible with the 15A/16A socket to prevent overheating.