Abstract: An electrical plug is equipped with an earthing pin 180 comprises an elongate metal body 260 defining a groove for holding captive a split band 460 of a moulded plastic material, which has inwardly facing nodes 480 which are receivable in a transverse passage through the body. The body 260 further defines a longitudinal threaded bore for receiving a threaded shank 380 having a tapered tip which, in use, is seated between the inner nodes on the band 460. When the pin 180 is inserted into a corresponding socket of an existing electrical outlet (not shown) and a circular cap 420 on the exposed end of the threaded shank 380 is rotated, the tip of the shank 400 bears against the nodes 480 on the band 460, thereby expanding the band radially outwardly until it frictionally engages an adjacent portion of the socket in which the pin 180 is located. The pin 180 together with any electrically conducting pins associated with the same plug are hence secured against inadvertent extraction from their respective sockets.

Abstract: An electrical pin 230 has an elongate body which is receivable in a complementary socket of an existing electrical outlet, while two electrically conductive pins on the same plug are simultaneously receivable in respective sockets for establishing a power supply path for an electrical appliance. A resilient deformable ring 238 is held captive by the body of the pin 230. Two metal spheres 234 bearing respectively against an inner peripheral region of the ring 238 lie in a transverse passage 233 extending through the body of the pin 230. A screw 236 lying in a threaded passage 231 intersecting the transverse passage 233 bears against the spheres 234. In use the screw 236 urges the spheres radially outwardly, thereby expanding the ring 238 until it bears frictionally against an adjacent portion of an associated electrical socket. The pin 230 is preferably mounted in an insulating body (not shown) having a switch cover 38 projecting from the body in lateral relationship to the pin.