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| {{comic | | {{comic |
| | number = 2493 | | | number = 2493 |
− | | date = July 23, 2021 | + | | date = July 24, 2021 |
| | title = Dual USB-C | | | title = Dual USB-C |
| | image = dual_usb_c.png | | | image = dual_usb_c.png |
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| ==Explanation== | | ==Explanation== |
− | This comic was the first in what became a new series of [[:Category:Cursed Connectors|Cursed Connectors]] and presents Cursed Connector #187: Dual USB-C. The series continued two comics later with [[2495: Universal Seat Belt]] (#65) and was followed three weeks after that by [[2503: Memo Spike Connector]] (#102).
| + | {{incomplete|Created by a USB-DC PLUG. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} |
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− | Starting roughly around 2016, the word {{w|Cursed image|"cursed"}} has become slang for something that makes the user feel uncomfortable (unlike the classic definition, nothing {{w|Curse|supernatural}} needs to cause the discomfort).
| + | USB-C connectors are the newest version of the USB standard, and were controversial on launch{{citation needed}} for reasons Randall [[927: Standards|previously covered]]. Randall proposes a new type of connector which would see two USB plugs side-by-side able to be inserted simultaneously by housing them inside a {{w|NEMA_connector|NEMA 1-15P}} plug, also known as a Type A plug, for AC current (standard on small appliances in the United States). This does not seem to offer any advantages other than reviving the controversy, and therefore is considered cursed. |
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− | {{w|USB-C}} connectors are the newest version of the {{w|USB|USB standard}}, and Randall showcases a new type of connector which would see two USB-C plugs side-by-side able to be inserted simultaneously by housing them inside a {{w|NEMA_connector#NEMA_1|NEMA 1-15P}} plug, more commonly known as a Type A plug, that is usually used in some countries to connect electrical devices to AC current. This does not seem to offer any advantages over the current implementation.
| + | The title text indicates that an equivalent for the 3-pronged Type B plug for AC current could be created easily by incorporating a USB-B plug, which are small and square-shaped and could therefore function as the ground prong which would make the overall appearance similar to a {{w|NEMA_connector#NEMA_5|NEMA 5-15P}} plug. |
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− | Further, the plug introduces several disadvantages, including, but not limited to
| + | ==Transcript== |
− | *The plug creates the risk of accidentally plugging a USB-C device into a power outlet, which is likely to damage the device as the voltage of a NEMA 1 circuit is about six times as large as the maximum for USB-C. Additionally, mains power outlets typically supply {{w|Alternating_current|alternating current}}, whilst USB devices operate on {{w|Direct_current|direct current}}, which is also likely to result in damage to the device.
| + | {{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} |
− | *The outer metal casings of the plugs are usually connected to the device's ground plane, so the casings likely have a low-resistance path between them. Plugging such a device into a power outlet would form a short circuit.
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− | *The plug likely won't fit a power outlet (NEMA plug pins have a 6.4×1.5 mm cross-section and the USB-C is 8.4×2.6 mm.). This is probably good, as it reduces the risk of either of the two hazardous situations described above.
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− | *Any device meant to be connected to the full plug would need vertical ports, making any theoretical device quite thick.
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− | *The plug could occupy 6+ ports of a USB-C hub with vertical ports, taking up the space to charge 2-6 phones with a single device.
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− | *The plug being mimicked is typically not found in a double male configuration implying that the cord is attached to a device at the other end in a non removable way (Typically, the other end of detachable power cords for appliances is one of the plugs specified in the {{w|IEC_60320|IEC 60320}} standard, so presumably for Randall's connector application would substitute USB-C sockets in a C9 or similar configuration.)
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− | The connector therefore is considered cursed.
| + | :[A picture of a plug with two prongs is shown. Each prong is a USB-C connector.] |
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− | Notably, there's an existing [https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1520/4366/products/type-c-dual-multimedia-adapter-multi-ports-satechi-340267_1024x.jpg?v=1595892279 dual USB-C plug] in use for Macbook-compatible high-performance dongles, among other things, which is remarkably similar but avoids all the above disadvantages. It instead invites confusion with the {{w|NEMA_connector#NEMA_6|NEMA 6-15}} connectors.
| + | :Title: Cursed Connectors #187 |
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− | The title text indicates that an equivalent for the 3-pronged {{w|NEMA_connector#NEMA_5|NEMA 5-15P}} plug (a.k.a the Type B plug) for AC current could be created easily by incorporating a {{w|USB-B}} plug, which are small and square-shaped and could therefore function as the ground prong. There appears to be no reason to do this other than because both names contain the letter 'B'.
| + | :Subtitle: Dual USB-C |
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− | Unconventional uses for electric plugs are a recurring topic in xkcd (see [[1293: Job Interview]] and [[1395: Power Cord]]). Combining them with USB was previously explored in [[1406: Universal Converter Box]] among other combinations.
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− | ==Transcript==
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− | :[A power cord like plug with two prongs is shown, but each prong is in the shape of USB-C connectors. Above is a title and below is a label.]
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− | :Cursed Connectors #187
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− | :Dual USB-C | |
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| {{comic discussion}} | | {{comic discussion}} |
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− | [[Category:Cursed Connectors]]
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