There are substantial differences between American and British terminology related to power plugs and sockets.
British English
| American English
| Meaning
|
mains power
| line power
| The primary electrical power supply wires entering a building, connected to the Main Supply.
|
domestic power
| --
| Single-phase 230 V power as used in a single-family residence.
|
earth connection
| ground (or grounding) connection
| Safety connection to the earth or ground.
|
live connection
| hot (or live) connection
| Phase ("active") connection
|
neutral connection
| neutral (or cold) connection
| return connection
|
flex (or mains) lead, mains wire (or wiring)
| line (or power) cord
| Flexible electric cable from plug to appliance
|
pin (or plug)
| prong (or plug)
| Male part of an electrical connector.
|