Plugs

[fan-of-fans]

I've always liked the molded plugs that vintage appliances have, I always look at them to see the different designs they made. I always prefer when the original cord and plug are there. Some are really common compared to others. As far as use I prefer the modern ones that have a longer part to hold and more separation from the live prongs, but the older ones are more fun to look at.

I also enjoy the old round or oval bakelite plugs and replacement plugs too, especially the detailed ones.

Oh, and I collect old receptacles and ceiling fixtures as well as switches. I find them really interesting. I've managed to salvage a few from old buildings as well as found them in the parts bins at Habitat.

Does anyone else enjoy these things?

 

[yogitunes]

I always like those push button wall switches.......we had those in the house I grew up in.....

there was a black(off) and red(on) buttons......and they clicked loud when pushing them in....

finding replacement wall plates was not always easy....at that point, the switches were changed to regular toggle types....

 

[turquoisedude]

Wow - I wondered if there was anyone else who digs through parts bins for vintage plugs, sockets, and outlets!  And likewise I definitely prefer to have the original cord and plug on a vintage appliance (sadly I don't have a lot where this is the case).  I am planning on making a display of some of the more unusual ones in my newly-renovated workshop this summer-  stay tuned!

I think I may have the only collection of those scary old multiple outlet strips though!

 

[fan-of-fans]

I have seen the push buttons in old buildings. They make reproduction ones but they aren't cheap I'm sure.

Too bad there's not a way to replace original cords with molded plugs. There used to be a website with parts for old radios that sold new cordsets in black and brown. I bought some but they don't seem to sell them anymore. I don't know if they were old stock or they just stopped making them, the ones I have looked new to me.

You can always use lamp cord and a replacement plug but the old zip cord was thinner than the new stuff. And you can't get matching colors like blue.

Yes definitely, I go through the old bins at Habitat and the garage stuff at estate sales too.

The outlet strips I don't think I've seen many old ones. I remember some metal ones where the plugs were like actual wall outlets, not sure if those were old.

 

[abcomatic]

My house was built in 1897 and has some push button wall switches. I have replaced them with new pushbutton switches. They aren't cheap but it sure does look great. I could get new switch plates too which I did. Gary

 

[norgeway]

The Old

Pushbutton switches with the ceramic housing will last virtually forever, If you remove the ceramic cover you can see just how heavily they are built, they would carry much higher voltages than normal switches, Likewise, Knob and tube wiring...IF properly installed is as safe or more safe than anything used today.