Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical connector system for a device powered by high current comprising a plug with two high current female contacts and one low current female contact, a socket in the device having two high current male contacts and one low current male contact. The high current contacts are longer than the low current contact so that when the plug is inserted, the high current contacts make connection before the low current contact and when the plug is removed the low current contact is disconnected first, breaking the circuit and preventing arcing. The high current contacts in the socket are electrically connected to the electrical device by a solid-state switch wherein the control gate is operated by the low current contact.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electric cord mechanical interlock system which prevents the user from removing or inserting the cord of an electric appliance when the appliance is switched on thus preventing arcing across the contacts. Arcing is prevented by providing an extension as part of the on-off switch control which, when the switch is off, engages and raises a flexible arm containing a pin, allowing the plug to be inserted or removed.