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'Dice-type' multi-outlets
made in Germany |
 DDR plugs |
multi- plugs |
 site map |
| In Germany cubic multi-outlets were known as
"Würfel", the German word for dice. It was a popular model that has been made during more than half a century. Initially made of porcelain and from the 1930s in large quantities with a Bakelite cast. Typical size of the cubes is 60 x 60 x 60 mm. Outlets were designed for plugs with two 4.0 mm pins. Earth connection was not available. |
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 If somebody knows which company used the HK logo, please mail me. (email address at home page) |
1 |
The
collection has two
identical 4-way Bakelite outlets, both made in the DDR. by VEB
Elektroindustrie Plauen, Sachsen. Shown outlet has an EIP logo with
three flashes, the other a bold faced EIP
logo. The two logos indicate different times of production. Logo
replacement will probably have taken place in the 1960s - '80s. Image right shows the inside after removing one half of the housing. {PM} |
| 2 |
Dice-type
4-way outlet, similar to no. 1, but with with single pole switch that
controls each of the four outlets. The multi-outlet has a MPAD Bakelite molding mark. Testing of Bakelite products was introduced in 1924 and ended in the early 1960s (late 1940s in the DDR). Standard MPAD marks have a code that identifies the press work and a code for the pressed material (31 = phenol- or cresol-formaldehyde reinforced by wood flour). The outlet doesn't have a press work code, which is most unusual and a handicap by tracing the company that used the HK logo. {PM} |
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| 3 |
Porcelain 4-way outlet made by Siemens-Schuckertwerke in
Berlin. Dating: second half 1920s. {RH} |
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| 4 | Dice-like 3-way outlet with 6.0 mm pin inlet for a DIN VDE 4990
appliance connector . The most remarkable aspect is that the multi-outlet is made of cardboard. It must be an outlet made in or shortly after World War II, because of shortage of ingredients for Bakelite production and war industry had top priority. Manufacturer: unknown company with HK logo, same as no. 2. {MN} |
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| 5 | The
inside pin contact mechanism is essentially identical for cubic multi-plugs
shown in image nos 1, 2, 3 and 4. A hexagonal outlet for six plugs has existed also. See images 17 and 18 on classic multi-plug page. |
