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. |