Is there a device availabe that keeps cords from unplugging from the outlet?

[Nealcrenshaw]

I've been looking for something like this, i'm thinking of some sort of outlet plate that can capture the plug to keep it from unplugging. something where the outlet cover would have female threads and allow you to screw a wing nut to secure the cord from unplugging. Or even a quick release would be sweet!

Maybe i have a million $$ idea on my hands if it has'nt already been invented.

 

[ATTappman]

Here's a possibility: http://www.cordlet.com

 

[caper]

I came up with the idea 20 yrs ago of making an outlet cover which was like an external box on the wall with a hinged plate on it.Swing the hinged door open and plug in your cords and then swing the door shut letting the cord feed out through a slot.Effectively locking the plug in the outlet.I came up with the idea after a child was electrocuted by pulling a plug half way out and touching both prongs with their drool covered fingers.I tried to patent it but found out somebody else had already patented something very similar.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

RIght,thats exactly what i'm looking for. Where in the heck is it? I was also thinking of a twist lock setup that would be for 120v 20A.

 

[Stephenw]

Already been done...

They are called twist lock receptacles.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

RIght but i never seen them for a 120V outlet only for 240V circuits

 

[Stephenw]

RIght but i never seen them for a 120V outlet only for 240V circuits

They come in 120 V versions also.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Twist lock are good. There are also locking extension cords, that you hit a button to release them. I would assume there are outlets that do that as well.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Sure, you can get 120vac twistlocks. However, if you're having problems with a power cord pulling out of the socket there may be other issues - the outlet may be a cheap one, or it's just worn out. Replace it with a new high quality one. Putting a slight bend in the prongs on the plug can help it stay plugged in. Or, maybe you're just trying work too far away from the outlet.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

YEah but it would **** trying to change over every plug to your tools to a twist lock.

I need somthing for when i use my power tools outside or my drop light,every time i have to come back to plug the cord back in,which also bends the prongs.

 

[truckdriver]

If this is in your shop, just install some 3in screw in eye bolts and run the cord thru the eye and tie it so that the cord is tied to the eye. I have these in my garage. Not real asthetically pleasing so the wife wouldn't allow it in the house.

 

[dankicksass]

I came up with the idea 20 yrs ago of making an outlet cover which was like an external box on the wall with a hinged plate on it.Swing the hinged door open and plug in your cords and then swing the door shut letting the cord feed out through a slot.Effectively locking the plug in the outlet.I came up with the idea after a child was electrocuted by pulling a plug half way out and touching both prongs with their drool covered fingers.I tried to patent it but found out somebody else had already patented something very similar.

I have those on outdoor GFI outlets. Clear weatherproof cover with cord pass-thru at the bottom and a security lock. On the one I've got a sump pump plugged into, I put an always-on LED "night" light in it so I can see visually when there is power - and more importantly, when there's not. I know there are light-up GFI outlets but I wanted something brighter.
http://www.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=cooper+wiu

 

[mrb]

there are 120v twistlocks. You can even get the 15 amp ones in a duplex.

hubbell makes a male straight blade plug with a thumbscrew on an angle through the body and the ground pin. Plug the plug in the outlet and tighten the screw down. I think its for hospital equipment or something.

if you are yanking cords and they are coming unplugged, do you REALLY want them rigidly attached to the outlet? Something is going to give, and fixing it wont be as easy as plugging the cord back in.

I suggest using better quality receptacles. Leviton 5262 for example. I use tons of these in temporary power, plugs dont come out unless you want them to. Hospital grade receptacles such as leviton 8200 have even better retention force, but they are much much more expensive.

Threading the cord through an eye hook can damage the cord when it gets pulled on. Use better receptacles and route your cords so they dont get pulled on.

 

[mrb]

you need plugs and outlets like these

and by all means dont bend the prongs on your plugs together. All you're doing is masking the problem of a worn out outlet and damaging the plug in the process.

 

[psychowill]

I ran across a product that prevents cords from coming unplugged. It's made of decent gauge steel. It's called The Cord Keeper. I saw it at our local Ace Hardware, then found it on-line. It's simple but it works well.

 

[Jawn]

For 120v twist-lock, look at NEMA L5-20 or L5-15 (20 and 15 amp, respectively).

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Isn't the device in question called an extension cord?

 

[bob15]

Twist lock:

 

[knobby]

Using commercial/spec grade receptacles rather than the cheap *** homeowner grade units goes a long way towards plug retention and is a good idea all around IMHO

 

[Air21]

I use a brad nailer. Very carefully

 

[redmondjp]

Using commercial/spec grade receptacles rather than the cheap *** homeowner grade units goes a long way towards plug retention and is a good idea all around IMHO

Bingo!

And If you really want a receptacle that won't let go of a plug, go one step up (from the $3-5 commercial grade) to the $10-15 hospital-grade one. It takes two hands and a lot of wiggling/pulling to get a plug out of one of those (for good reason when you think about life-support equipment being plugged into it).

 

[theoldwizard1]

RIght but i never seen them for a 120V outlet only for 240V circuits

L5-15x (x=P for plug, R for receptacle)

 

[K13]

Can't say I have ever had a cord pull out before. Use decent outlets and the CORRECT length extension cord. If you are actually bending the prongs on your cords pulling them out then you are clearly not using long enough cords for the job at hand.

 

[The Cobbler]

new, good quality receptacles will be a cheap & easy fix.
I have a bunch of hospital grade that I can't use because they are not TR. after my final inspection I have a good mind to exchange them .

 

[the gypsy]

Hi Nealcrenshaw. My suggestion, if the extension is in the garage, you can put a pull for a trap door near the outlet for you to tie the extension to. I have seen this in a hospital hallway. I am guessing they use to tie the extension from the floor buffer to it before plugging in the receptacle

 

[PelicanPines]

Just wirenut the cord to the live wires...

 

[Advan]

This isn't a problem for me at home, but at work I'll try to tie the cord around something near the outlet (conduit, table leg, anything!) so it can't be pulled out. Not just for convenience, its also a safety thing, especially when using a mag drill.


I do like the idea of something like this with a stud and wing nut:

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Using commercial/spec grade receptacles rather than the cheap *** homeowner grade units goes a long way towards plug retention and is a good idea all around IMHO

I agree 100%. Been there, done that.