The idea is for a US style grounded "U" pin (e.g. NEMA 5-15, 5-20, 6-15,
6-20, and 7-15) socket to be combined with a spring loaded switch or circuit breaker in the same device, ready to fit in the box where a duplex receptacle would be placed. The switch would control power to the socket blades. A mechanism at the back of the ground pin well would disengage the switch lockout when the ground pin is fully inserted. Then the switch (or circuit breaker) would be switched on to get power. If the plug is pulled out, that mechanism in the ground pin well would release the spring charge on the switch to open the circuit quickly (presuably before the plug is pulled so far as to break contact with the blades and arc in the open) and contain any arcing in the arc well.- posted
18 years ago