Why Your Electrical Plug Has Two Tiny Holes—and the Smart Reasons Behind Them

If you’ve ever looked closely at the prongs of a standard electrical plug, you may have noticed two small round holes near the tips. Most people never give them a second thought, yet those simple openings serve several thoughtful and practical purposes. In fact, they’re part of a design created decades ago to keep homes safer, make plugs more reliable, and improve how everyday devices are manufactured.

Here’s what those little holes actually do—and why they matter more than you might think.

A More Secure, Stable Connection

The most important job of those holes is to help the plug stay firmly seated in the outlet. Inside many outlets, small metal bumps or ridges align with the holes when you insert the plug. These ridges “catch” the prongs just enough to prevent them from slipping out too easily.

A plug that stays put reduces the chance of:

sparks forming from a loose connection
heat buildup
unexpected disconnection from a light, appliance, or charging device

It’s a simple detail, but one that adds stability and helps keep your home safer.

An Extra Layer of Safety for Children

The holes also help the prongs sit deeper and more securely inside the outlet. For families with little ones, this small detail can make a meaningful difference. A deeply seated plug is harder for a child to wiggle loose or tamper with, reducing the chance of accidental contact with live metal parts.

While childproof covers and outlet guards remain important, this subtle design feature supports overall household safety.

Useful During Manufacturing and Packaging

You may have noticed that some new electronics come with a plastic tie, tag, or security loop attached through those holes. Manufacturers often rely on them for:

tamper-evident seals
product tags
packaging ties that keep cords neatly wrapped

By using what’s already built into the plug, companies avoid extra materials, cut down on waste, and keep packaging simpler and more efficient.

A Small Detail With Big Purpose

Those tiny holes may look insignificant, but they’re a quiet example of thoughtful engineering—something we often overlook in everyday items. They help keep plugs secure, support safer homes, and streamline manufacturing from the factory floor to your kitchen counter.

The next time you plug in a lamp or charge your phone, take a moment to appreciate how even the smallest details can make a meaningful difference.